​PROJECT OVERVIEW AND DESCRIPTION

HOPE Project Description

The University of Alabama, with funding support from the Health Resources and Service Administration (HRSA), is confronting the shortage of behavioral health services for youth in rural Alabama by implementing the Health. Opportunity. Passion. Empowerment. or H.O.P.E. Project. This project will provide evidence-based, strength-based and trauma-informed behavioral health and substance use services along the entire continuum of care, including prevention, treatment and recovery, to children and adolescents in Pickens County and surrounding areas.

Mission & Vision

The mission of this project is:

“To address the imperative need for behavioral health and substance use services for children and adolescents in rural West Alabama counties, including Pickens County”

​Our mission is to provide essential behavioral health and substance use services for children and adolescents in rural West Alabama counties, with a specific emphasis on Pickens County.

By addressing the critical need in these underserved areas, we aim to establish sustainable resources and interventions, fostering positive mental and emotional well-being for the youth population. Our approach is community-centered, culturally sensitive, and seeks to create lasting impacts tailored to the unique challenges of each locality, ultimately empowering young individuals for healthier futures.

Project Goals

The project goals are centered on addressing the urgent need for behavioral health and substance use services among children and adolescents in rural West Alabama counties, with a particular focus on Pickens County. The objectives include:

  1. H.O.P.E. will establish new behavioral health prevention, treatment, and recovery services schools for children and adolescents aged 5-17 beginning in Pickens County.
  2. The H.O.P.E. project will implement:
    • Online mental health awareness training (MHAT) for school personnel, professionals, and paraprofessionals in the target rural areas;
    • ACEs, trauma, and Substance Use (SU) training/mentorship for professionals paraprofessionals, on the links between ACEs, trauma, and behavioral health problems;
    • Evidence-based therapies and teletherapy best-practices training for interns providing teletherapy;
    • FAST intervention team training/mentorship for FAST teams by certified trainers; and
    • Recovery peer support specialist mentorship for youth in recovery which will be provide within target schools.
  3. The H.O.P.E. team will build a community of partners to create an accessible continuum of care that includes prevention, treatment, and recovery from behavioral health problems for children, adolescents, and their families.

Our Activities at Rural West Alabama counties, AL

Online mental health awareness training (MHAT)

A digital educational platform is designed to enhance understanding and knowledge about mental health issues. This innovative approach leverages the accessibility and convenience of online platforms to deliver comprehensive training programs that promote awareness, reduce stigma, and provide practical tools for recognizing and addressing mental health challenges. Such training modules often cover a range of topics, including common mental health disorders, coping strategies, and ways to offer support to individuals experiencing mental health issues. The goal is to empower individuals across various settings, such as workplaces, schools, and communities, to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for mental health and well-being.

Evidence-based therapies and teletherapy best-practices training

These are educational programs that focus on instructing mental health professionals and practitioners in evidence-backed therapeutic approaches, as well as effective strategies for conducting teletherapy sessions. These training modules emphasize the utilization of therapies with proven efficacy in treating mental health disorders. Additionally, they cover the nuances and best practices associated with delivering mental health services through teletherapy platforms, ensuring that practitioners are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide quality care remotely. The training aims to enhance the competency of mental health professionals, promoting the delivery of effective and evidence-based interventions in virtual therapeutic settings.

Peer support specialist mentorship for youth in recovery

This involves a structured and supportive program where individuals who have successfully navigated their own recovery journey serve as mentors for young people facing similar challenges. The mentorship initiative provides a unique form of support, drawing on the lived experiences of peer support specialists who have overcome substance use or mental health issues. The mentors offer guidance, encouragement, and practical insights to help youth navigate the complexities of recovery, fostering a sense of understanding and connection. The aim is to empower young individuals in recovery by offering a role model who shares a relatable journey, promoting resilience, and facilitating a supportive community environment for sustained well-being.