Write a commentOswego County Opportunities (OCO) Health Homes program focuses on helping community members experiencing mental health issues and substance use disorder.
Case managers work with medical providers and various service agencies to connect them with treatment options and assist them in following through with their medical needs.
Collaborating with the Oswego Police Department and other law enforcement agencies allows OCO’s Health Homes to expand its reach.
“Currently Health Homes has four case managers that work at various OCO sites throughout Oswego County, said Coordinator of Health Access Services, Stacie France. “Collaborating with the Oswego Police Department enables us to have a case manager onsite at the police station one day a week.”
“The concept of working with OCO had been in discussion for a while,” explained Sgt. Justin D'Elia. “OPD has interests in increasing access to services for those we work with that have needs beyond policing. When OCO approached me about partnering with law enforcement to offer services to those experiencing serious mental health diagnosis and or substance use disorder we knew it would be a good fit for our goals in the community.”
“OPD is always looking for ways to build systems and response to those we serve,” continued Sgt. D’Elia. “Incorporating this service is another step in that direction. Having a case manager on site will allow for immediate connection to services. An OCO Health Homes case manager will work closely with our embedded Mental Health Clinician to ensure that individuals who qualify for the program receive the support they need. It is our hope that these services will decrease crisis situations.”
“Collaborating with our local law enforcement agencies and receiving additional referrals will have a positive impact on those we serve as well as the community,” added France. “Addressing individuals health-related needs, coordinating care with medical providers and assisting with connections to resources such as financial and housing assistance may mean fewer trips to the emergency room, less time spent in the hospitals, access to regular medical appointments, finding a safe place to live, and more.”
For information on OCO’s Health Homes program and the services it offers, visit oco.org.
