In an effort to improve its system of care for individuals with mental illness and substance use disorders Miami-based South Florida Behavioral Health Network, Inc. (SFBHN) is deploying a population health solution to link mental health, substance use and social support services with jail diversion programs.
SFBHN is collaborating with behavioral health technology solution provider ODH, Inc., based in Princeton, N.J., to deploy its Mentrics behavioral population health management solution.
According to a press release, ODH’s Mentrics solution uses select IBM technologies to transform the management and economics of behavioral healthcare to deliver predictive data. ODH’s platform will aggregate available health data, including behavioral and physical health services, criminal justice data and other social determinants from currently fragmented sources into an intuitive interface. With the platform, SFBHN seeks to better identify those at risk and in need of services, as well as coordinate the delivery of care.
SFBHN is a nonprofit, managing entity that funds and oversees a network of providers in Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties on behalf of the State of Florida. SFBHN’s responsibilities includes planning and contracting for a comprehensive system of mental health, substance abuse treatment and prevention services, at a community level resulting in 65,000 individuals receiving care annually.
“Research shows that individuals with mental illness are three times more likely to be incarcerated rather than be in a mental health facility,” according to SFBHN officials, citing a study published in the April 1, 2014 issue of Health Affairs
To respond to the needs of the population it serves, SFBHN has been particularly active in supporting jail diversion programs that serve as an alternative to incarceration.
“We want to ensure all individuals living with behavioral disorders in South Florida have access to the treatment they need, and that requires sophisticated and powerful tools to help us identify those most at risk and in need of services,” John Dow, president and CEO, South Florida Behavioral Health Network., said in a statement.
