Pittsburgh Review

The Allegheny Health Network (AHN) Center for Inclusion Health has secured a $325,000 grant from the Eden Hall Foundation to enhance its community-based behavioral health services in Pittsburgh. This funding will support the launch of the 'AHN Mobile Mental Health Access Project,' aimed at improving access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment in underserved areas.

The project will introduce a mobile unit equipped with a behavioral health consultant as part of a multidisciplinary care team. This team will provide rapid intervention, stabilization, and short-term therapy for individuals dealing with co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorder, many of whom also face homelessness. The initiative seeks to facilitate access to specialized psychiatry and addiction care while connecting patients with local resources addressing social determinants of health.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 21.5 million U.S. adults had co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders in 2022. Barriers such as cost, wait times, sobriety challenges, and provider shortages often hinder access to necessary care.

Pennsylvania experienced over 4,000 drug overdose deaths from January 2023 to January 2024 despite a decrease during that period, according to CDC data. Allegheny County reported 665 overdose deaths in 2023 alone.

The Mobile Mental Health Access Project aims to reach 200 unique individuals within its first year, building on CIH's existing street medicine and addiction services by bringing care directly to those in need.

“This innovative project will directly address the critical need for accessible behavioral health services in our community," said Liz Cuevas, MD, division chief at AHN Center for Inclusion Health. "We are extremely grateful for the support of Eden Hall Foundation."

The grant will enable hiring a behavioral health consultant and equipping the mobile unit with essential facilities such as an exam area, bathroom, generator, climate control, refrigerator, hygiene items, snacks, and water.

“We are excited to partner with the AHN Center for Inclusion Health because health equity is so essential in Pittsburgh,” stated Sylvia Fields, president of Eden Hall Foundation. “Increasing access to healthcare can seriously improve health outcomes by removing barriers preventing people from seeking care.”

Founded in 2014, AHN CIH focuses on transforming healthcare through innovative clinical models and advocacy aimed at serving all people better. More information is available at www.ahn.org/center-for-inclusion-health.

Eden Hall Foundation supports organizations addressing Southwestern Pennsylvania's needs through community development and wellness promotion efforts. Further details can be found at www.edenhallfdn.org.