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 Who sponsors EAST?
Mid-Valley Behavioral Care Network (MVBCN) coordinates EAST. MVBCN is an intergovernmental organization responsible for Oregon Health Plan mental health services in Linn, Marion, Polk, Tillamook and Yamhill Counties. Different agencies have staff assigned to the project, including Salem Hospital, Linn County Mental Health, Marion County Behavioral Health, Marion County Psychiatric Crisis Center, Polk County Mental Health, Tillamook Family Counseling Center, Yamhill County Mental Health and Abacus Program.
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Who does EAST serve?
EAST serves young people ages 12 to 30 who have had a first episode of psychosis within the last 12 months, and their families. The goal of EAST is to identify individuals with an ongoing psychotic disorder as soon as possible in order to minimize the negative impact on their lives.
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Why are programs like EAST not available elsewhere in the United States?
Early treatment of psychosis in the U.S. is a great example of a group of people “falling through the cracks.” Private health insurers and providers in the U.S. have had a tendency to view treatment for psychosis as the purview of the publicly-funded mental health system. Young adults who are most susceptible to onset of psychosis also have a higher likelihood of being uninsured. Many programs in the public system require individuals to have Medicaid coverage, which, in most places, means they have to qualify for as disabled through the federal government. This means it can take years for people to establish their qualifications for the care the need (and that assumes they have a proactive, persistent family advocating for them).
In addition to the financial barriers, evidence-based treatment for psychosis is not easily available in many locations. Many of the evidence-based practices have only recently been widely disseminated, and most of the medicines currently in use were developed within the last decade. It takes time for the system to catch up to current science.
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Why did Mid-Valley Behavioral Care Network (MVBCN) start EAST?
MVBCN started EAST because one in four of the adults it serves have a psychosis-related disorder. MVBCN observed the long-term disabling effects of this condition, and sought out effective methods to reduce the level of disability associated with this illness. MVBCN’s search for evidence-based practices it could replicate led it to the work of the Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Center (EPPIC) in Melbourne, Australia.
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What insurance programs does EAST take?
EAST takes all funding sources, and tries to make services accessible regardless of ability to pay.
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Do you take referrals outside Linn, Marion, Polk, Yamhill, Tillamook counties?
No, although EAST staff will sometimes provide consultation and technical assistance to people outside the region.
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How can I help EAST?
EAST Community Network offers many opportunities to make a difference, large or small, (Join The Network, Community Network Brochure). Donations to EAST are greatly appreciated, and may be tax deductible. Checks should be mailed to:
EAST
Mid-Valley Behavioral Care Network
1660 Oak St. SE, Suite 230
Salem, OR 97301
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