Capital District Health Authority: Primary/Community Mental Health Services – Outreach to Under-Served Populations
In October 2001, Primary/Community Mental Health Services underwent an accreditation review, which noted program strengths and areas for improvement. One of the areas identified for improvement was the identification and outreach to under-served populations. Working with the Primary/Community Mental Health Services staff, we conducted a literature review, analyzed results of focus groups with the program's Community Teams, and conducted a series of focus groups with people from several different population groups (service providers; lesbian/gay/bisexual and transgendered youth; First Nations peoples; rural citizens; African Nova Scotians; and people who have experienced homelessness). We used this information to develop recommendations for Primary/Community Mental Health Services to improve outreach to under-served populations. We also developed a series of workbooks to assist the staff in addressing the recommendations.
