BHDDH: Block Grant Needs Assessment

The Block Grant Needs Assessment (BGNA) is a collaborative research initiative.

Graduate student researchers and undergraduate research assistants (RAs) at the University of Rhode Island work closely with BHDDH staff. The BGNA aims to evaluate behavioral healthcare needs across the state, identifying areas where services are effective and areas where they can be improved. This work supports the strategic allocation of funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Working together, the team designs and implements the needs assessment, develops survey measures, conducts literature reviews, facilitates community outreach, analyzes data, and writes a report. The team uses a mixed-methods approach that includes quantitative survey data and qualitative data (e.g., focus groups). The results of this research are presented at the Governor’s Council Meeting to help inform behavioral health policy and funding decisions throughout the state of Rhode Island.

BHDDH: State Opioid Response Grant (SOR)

Undergraduate students work as research interns on the State Opioid Response (SOR) Grant Team. This is a team funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a federal agency. Undergraduate students conduct the Government Performance and Result Act (GPRA) survey and collect health data from individuals receiving recovery and housing services. This work gives students experience working with vulnerable populations while the data helps BHDDH set priorities, establish goals, and track the performance for federally funded programs.

Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers (CCBHC)

CCBHCs provide integrative care for those suffering mental health and/or substance use disorders. They are designed to improve health outcomes, reduce health disparities and provide a higher quality of care. The Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA) fund the CCBHCs. There are three centers where URI undergraduates work: 1) Community Care Alliance (Woonsocket), 2) Newport Mental Health (Newport) and 3) Thrive Behavioral Health (Warwick).  URI undergraduates work as research interns, collecting vital data to assess health outcomes and services. Research interns conduct the National Outcome Measure Survey (NOMS) with those who go through the treatment programs. This information is important to the continued improvement of care.

Additional Placements Possible

Other placements possible pending student interest and placement need (e.g., placements with focus on gender/ sexual minorities, homelessness, and workforce development).