Communities of Hope Initiative

Missouri's Mental Health Transformation Working Group continues in its efforts to transform the state’s mental health service delivery system. One strategy involves creating Communities of Hope across the state committed to using a public health model that provides a continuum of services focused on an entire population rather than on individuals or their separate illnesses and disabilities.

The continuum offers services from prevention to treatment and supports; starts with an assessment of mental health needs; includes population-based research on addressing those needs; and utilizes evidence-based policies, practices, and programs that prevent and treat mental disorders and promote wellness. The public health model requires collective action and cooperative efforts among diverse agencies. Individuals, communities, organizations, and leaders must collaborate to promote mental health and integrate it within the overall health system. The Communities of Hope initiative will expand the state's capacity to support mental health wellness across the lifespan by working through community coalitions to transform local mental health services.

The Department has issued RFP SDA4911001 to contract with agencies to provide technical assistance, training, and support to local coalitions interested in making measurable improvements in mental health and well-being across the lifespan within their communities. RFP SDA4911001 may be downloaded at the following website: http://www.dmh.mo.gov/admin/contract/rfp.htm.

The following documents -- referenced in section 1.4.6 of the RFP -- provide additional resources to assist potential offerors in identifying local community coalitions, groups, and organizations to consider for participation in the initiative.