Bertie County, a rural county located in eastern NC, has consistently faced challenges regarding health outcomes, especially regarding mental health and substance use. While there have been longstanding access and health equity issues, there is a strong spirit of community in Bertie County. Local organizations, providers, and residents recognize the need to address behavioral health in the county and are joining a collaboration facilitated by the Foundation for Health Leadership and Innovation (FHLI) to form the Bertie County Integrated Behavioral Health Network. This network will involve working with key community members, health and social organizations, and leaders to address the critical need for behavioral health support in Bertie County. FHLI and its fellow partners in Bertie County will share the expertise, resources, and commitment to plan the network and support the community with its launch.
Timeline
By October 30, 2022, the network members will have completed an assessment of key stakeholders to include in network planning and will have identified strategies to engage as many key stakeholders as feasible, especially grassroots community members.
By December 31, 2022, the network will have completed an assessment of all integrated care work in the county that includes gaps and opportunities for improvement and a vision for an integrated health network to serve Bertie County residents and beyond, as feasible.
By April 1, 2023, the network will have identified best practices and solutions that address the identified gaps and opportunities and prioritized at least three projects that the network can implement to support program aims.
By June 30, 2023, the network members will have co-designed a process to formalize and sustain the network structure and a plan to begin implementation of at least one project designed to improve access to and quality of integrated health care in Bertie County.
Meetings
The Bertie County Integrated Behavioral Health Network meets the third Tuesday of each month from 1-2:30pm in Bertie County, NC. The meetings are in person and a virtual option will be available.
Upcoming dates:
Tuesday, September 20, 2022
- 1:00-2:30pm
- Bertie County Council on Aging/Senior Center (103 W School St, Windsor, NC 27983)
Tuesday, October 18, 2022
- 1:00-2:30pm
- Bertie County Council on Aging/Senior Center (103 W School St, Windsor, NC 27983)
Tuesday, November 15, 2022
- 1:00-2:30pm
- Location TBD
Tuesday, December 20, 2022
- 1:00-2:30pm
- Location TBD
For more information or if you have questions, contact Dr. Amelia Muse at amelia.muse@foundationhli.org.
