Stage 1 Report Key Themes and Issues in Behavioral Health ( Stakeholders )
As noted above , the primary objective of Stage 1 stakeholder interviews was to learn about currently available resources , services that are working well , and to gain initial insight regarding service gaps , and ways to better meet community needs . The stakeholders were very forthcoming in their ability and willingness to participate , and their insights helped to inform Stage 2 . Some of their observations are noted below .
Capacity and Access to Care Remain Major Challenges
• Most stakeholders agree that demand for behavioral health , including substance use disorder services , outweigh the supply of providers .
• The perceived concentration of providers around the Greater Lakeland area ( and subsequently fewer providers elsewhere in the County ) creates a barrier to care for those living outside of Lakeland . The large geographic area of Polk County contributes to the difficulty of receiving care .
• A significant amount of red tape makes it challenging for people who need care to receive it in a timely manner .
• Interviewees stated that a lack of awareness of available financial support results in some individuals not seeking needed ( and available ) care .
• There is not good awareness of the first steps required to seek care . Awareness of a “ central telephone number ” or “ no wrong door ” policy appears to lacking .
“ It ' s hard to know where to start to get help .”
Inter-system Connectivity is Seen as a Major Opportunity Stakeholders express a strong willingness to “ break down silos ” yet do not share a unified strategy to do so . For example , several Stage 1 interviewees indicate they want to affect positive change – especially since March 2020 . There is a strong desire and belief that , as one stakeholder said ,
“ Because of what we have all experienced since March [ i . e ., COVID-19 impact ], we now more than ever believe that we all need to work together to save lives and truly improve the health and wellness of our community – ONE community !”
• Stage 1 interviewees note that improving response to , and care for , individuals struggling with behavioral health issues requires collaboration across service sites and supporting agencies ( including public safety and healthcare ). Many state that “ now more than ever ,” there is an opportunity to modify regulations , protocols and other system-level issues to improve the ability to share helpful information and optimize service efficiencies .
• For example , the criminal justice system plays a major role in addressing behavioral health and substance use issues . There is a strong [ almost urgent ] sentiment among several stakeholders that communication and information sharing among the current public health and public safety systems needs to be a high priority activity .
• Many feel it would be beneficial to relocate 2-1-1 services back to Polk County .
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