In the fall of 2013, Hancock County ADAMHS, launched a system analysis for improvement and transformation of its behavioral health services. This analysis included an exploration of the relevance of establishing a Recovery Oriented System of Care (ROSC) model for the community. During this process, a full assessment of Hancock County’s existing mental health and substance use disorder treatment service continuum was conducted which included identification of service gaps; recommendations to increase and expand services; aligning systems, programs, practices, and policies in such a manner that uses best science; and unifying a vision of recovery as an opportunity for each person, family, and the community. This process was guided by the following two principles: 1. ROSC provides ongoing monitoring and feedback with assertive outreach efforts to promote continual participation, re-motivation, and reengagement. 2. ROSC will be guided by recovery-based processes and outcome measures. Outcome measures will be developed in collaboration with individuals in recovery. Outcome measures will reflect the long-term global effects of the recovery process on the individual, family and community, not just the remission of biomedical symptoms. Outcomes will be measurable and include benchmarks of quality-of-life changes.
Funding for this initiative was made possible by grant no. 1H79TI083022 from SAMHSA. The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
