New SAMHSA RFA includes CTI

The Center for Mental Health Services of SAMHSA has released its new RFA for fiscal year 2010 Mental Health Transformation Grants.  The program aims “to foster adoption and implementation of permanent transformative changes in how public mental health services are organized, managed and delivered so that they are consumer-driven, recovery-oriented and supported through evidence-based and best practices.” For the first time, this RFA specifically identifies CTI as a key practice that applicants may request support for as part of programs designed to address one of SAMHSA’s current strategic initiatives–increasing the availability of services linked to safe and affordable permanent housing for individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness due to mental illness, substance use, HIV/AIDs or long term institutionalization in a nursing home, jail, or other facility.

Update from New Mexico

As we reported earlier in the year, New Mexico became the first state to provide dedicated funding for CTI through its public mental health system.  We learned recently that two organizations, St. Elizabeth Shelter and The Life Link, both in Santa Fe, were awarded state contracts and have launched CTI programs.  Both programs aim to help homeless persons transition from the streets into housing.  The St. Elizabeth’s program, described in their recent newsletter, uses CTI with as part of a rapid-rehousing initiative for 27 formerly homeless persons with behavioral health disorders.  According to Shane Lampman, program manager,  the model “helps to quickly connect clients to available community resources… so that they can focus their energy on recovery and restoring their independence.”

New Mexico issues RFP for new state-funded CTI programs

New Mexico has become the first state to issue a request for proposals calling specifically for new programs using CTI to assist persons with mental illness in the transition from institutions, treatment programs, and other high-cost transitional programs to sustainable long term supportive living in the community.  Value Options, Inc., the organization responsible for managing public behavioral healthcare services in the state issued the RFP on January 26 with a deadline of 2/27/09.