Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/61842
The Health Collaborative and Northeast Pediatric Associates, P.A. Partner to Implement ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + + ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ LOCAL HEALTH UPDATE +++ +++ T for Behavioral Health Problems Pilot Program for Children at Risk HE HEALTH COLLABORATIVE (THC) is partnering with Northeast Pediatric Associates, P.A. to implement a pilot pro- gram to identify and help children at risk for behavioral health problems. The initiative, called Young Minds Matter, focuses on early identification and screening, as well as developing an online portal to provide physicians and parents with referral sources for counseling and care. "Pediatricians have long been an important first resource for parents who are concerned with their chil- dren's behavior problems," says Linda F. Howelton, M.D., of Northeast Pediatric Associates, P.A. "Many parents are struggling with the same issues, and they don't know what to do to help their child." Northeast Pediatric Associates, P.A., at its three San Antonio-area clinics, cur- rently is using the M.S. Jellinek and J.M. Murphy Massachusetts General Hospital Pediatric Symptoms Checklist to record information relating to the emotional and physical health of its patients. The questionnaire captures information on mental health issues facing children, as well as parental concerns. Common issues include weight management, dealing with type 2 diabetes, and stress related to school and divorce, along with behavior-management issues related to manic depression and drug use. Northeast Pediatric Associates, P.A. will share this data with THC staff mem- bers, who will identify the most prevalent behavioral health issues and compile information on health care professionals and programs dealing with them that are convenient to Northeast Pediatric clinics. This information will be used to build an online parent-resource portal. "We as pediatricians are being asked to do more, so having the referral sources of the online portal will help our physicians and our patients," says Dr. Howelton. Young Minds Matter is being funded by Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. "Mental health is a key focus area for us, and we are always looking for partners who are doing innovative work," says Pilar Oates, Executive Director of Methodist Healthcare Ministries. "A large percentage of kids in the juvenile court system have a learning disability or mental health issue. Young Minds Matter will allow us to intervene earlier and make a difference." Approximately 128,000 children and youth in Bexar County have, or are at risk of having, serious emotional disturbances. Bexar County has the third highest teen suicide rate in Texas. In addition, a number of Bexar County teens are committing suicide at a young age, between 10 and 14 years old. Research indicates that the majority of these teens visit their pediatricians shortly before committing the act. THC serves as a convening organiza- tion, bringing together the area's health care systems, community organizations and businesses to implement a more synergistic approach to solving the region's community health needs. Its mission is to improve the health status of the community through collaboration. THC partners include Baptist Health System, Bexar County Department of Community Resources, CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Health System, Community First Health Plans, Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Methodist Healthcare System, San Antonio Metropolitan Health District (Metro Health), University Health System, WellMed Medical Management, Inc. and the YMCA of Greater San Antonio. Young Minds Matter is a THC program led by the Youth Mental Health Council, a peer professional council. For more informa- tion on THC, phone (210) 481-2573 or visit www.healthcollaborative.net. ■