Integrating Hope & Health at The Link: An Innovative Community Triage Center for Behavioral Health & Substance Use

In this episode we hear from a Clinical Program Manager about the inception, operation, and impact of The Link, a community triage center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Learn how it was born out of a data-driven need for enhanced mental health and substance use services, and the collaborative efforts with community stakeholders, hospitals, and law enforcement that brought it to life. The episode delves into how the center combats stigma, addresses health equity, and provides culturally sensitive care, particularly to the American Indian population. Hear about the operational challenges, successes, and future vision for the center, highlighting how healthcare IT and data have played crucial roles in their ongoing efforts to improve community health outcomes. Practical insights and inspiration are offered for those looking to replicate or support similar initiatives in their own communities.

HOST

Janet Desroche

Associate VP, MEDITECH

GUEST

Kelsey Sjaarda, MSW, CSW-PIP

Clinical Program Manager, Avera Behavioral Health and The Link

Kelsey Sjaarda, MSW, CSW-PIP, has been with Avera for over 12 years and oversees their partial hospitalization program as well as operations of The Link. Kelsey earned her Master of Social Work at the Mankato campus of Minnesota State University.

What you'll learn about:

• Origins and purpose of The Link, a community triage center addressing mental health and substance use in Sioux Falls, SD.
• Data-Driven Research & Planning such as leveraging the data from the Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) to justify and establish the center.
• Insights into operational challenges and milestones
• The role of Healthcare IT and data in improving and streamlining services at the center.
• Importance of collaborative efforts and partnerships with local hospitals, emergency departments, law enforcement, and community stakeholders in creating the center.
• How the center is addressing stigma and providing cultural sensitivity training for their staff, especially in serving the American Indian population and addressing health equity disparities.
• Programs and Services the center offers including: sobering services, medical withdrawal management, and the referral process for ongoing care.
• Impact and Outcomes: Evidence of improvements and success measures based on collected data, including patient and community feedback.
• Vision for the Future: Future goals and aspirations for The Link, including seeking alternative funding and expanding their blueprint to other communities.
• Community Stories and Successes: Real-life stories of patients and the community impact of The Link's services.