Behavioral and mental health issues are on the rise across the country, and COVID-19 has worsened them. The mental and behavioral health issues of children and adults in Washington state are becoming a growing concern. The United Health Foundation created million grant collaboration with the North Olympic Healthcare Network to assist provide greater resources for behavioral health treatment in Washington. The funding will assist with the deployment of community- and school-based interventions to improve the health and well-being of children and families in the Port Angeles region.
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Telehealth finds a permanent room in Illinois
Governor J.B. Pritzker of Illinois signed a bill this week expanding access to virtual care across the state. HB 3308 mandates insurance reimbursement parity for virtual mental health and drug abuse problem treatments, as well as enabling coverage of all other telehealth services until 2027. It protects patients’ right to seek care in person if they so choose; insurers can’t force doctors to use telehealth or force them to see a doctor online if they prefer an in-person visit.
Read more at DistilINFO HealthplanBCBS Massachusetts’ new collaboration to reduce vaccination disparities
Recent Massachusetts Department of Health data show significant gaps in vaccination rates among Black and Latino residents compared to White and Asian residents. There are also disparities in neighborhoods with large immigrant populations. To address this disparity, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts has formed a partnership with Equity Now & Beyond. The initiative aims to host vaccine clinics and provide educational outreach in immigrant communities across Massachusetts. The organizations will work together through the summer and fall to reduce disparities in vaccination rates.
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