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By Jesse Jones, The Paper. — Bernalillo County residents now have new tools to find and access behavioral health and other social services more easily. Close the Loop, the county’s coordinated system for behavioral health and social service referrals, includes a public resource directory, an online assistance request form and a third tool, Population Insights, that helps officials identify gaps in care across the county.
Bernalillo County announced Oct. 5 that it launched the three tools through the Close the Loop system. The public resource directory which uses software from Unite Us, a company that helps health care, government and community organizations coordinate services, includes information from more than 160 organizations offering services such as behavioral health care, addiction treatment, housing, food assistance and child care. The online assistance request form lets residents seek behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment. A care manager at the CARE Campus reviews each request and uses the Unite Us network to connect residents with providers and track whether they receive services. The third tool, Population Insights, allows county officials to analyze social determinants of health and referral outcomes across neighborhoods. The county said the data can help identify gaps in care and show officials where resources and outreach are most needed.
“Close the Loop reflects our commitment to making sure every resident knows where to turn when they need help,” said Wayne Lindstrom, deputy county manager of behavioral health. “By connecting county resources in one easy-to-navigate system, we are reducing confusion and ensuring people get support without delays or unnecessary barriers.” According to the county, the expanded system gives residents a clearer path to support by pairing the public directory with a direct way to request help and data showing what different neighborhoods need most.
Residents or family members seeking help can browse the directory or submit an online request form. According to the county, the system will help officials spot gaps in care and direct resources and outreach to areas with the greatest need.