Why do we need OCCIC?

Ohioans with severe mental illnesses have higher rates of chronic physical diseases and die years earlier than the general public. In fact, research has shown that people with severe mental illnesses die about 25 years earlier than the general public. There are many reasons for this, and there are also many ways to address the issues. Everyone can do something. To help providers and communities, OCCIC will develop resources and share information about the clinical, operational, and fiscal practices involved in integrating physical and mental health care.

Who will OCCIC work with?

Many people are critical to successful integrated care programs: providers, consumers, family members, community mental health boards, Coordinating Centers of Excellence (CCOEs), policymakers, medical professionals, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), hospitals, and others. OCCIC will work with all stakeholders to spread the word and implement a variety of programs and resources for integrated care.

What support does OCCIC offer providers, communities, and other interested people?

• Engage multiple stakeholders in strategic planning
• Develop resources for principles, guidelines, and implementation of integrated care programs.
• Create a resource library including clinical, operational and fiscal information, research articles, fact sheets, and referral sources for consultation.
• Share information and ideas through websites, emails, and a monitored list serve.
• Develop a consultation and technical assistance process.
• Connect providers, communities, and other interested parties.
• Identify evaluation criteria and sources to determine success.