Denton County Public Health Links Program

About the Program

Category: Health (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

According to the most recent Community Needs Assessment published by United Way of Denton County, one in five community members in Denton County experience a mental health crisis in a year. Locally, a collective impact initiative surrounding behavioral health evaluates needs and establishes macro-level interventions to drive systems change. Denton County developed a countywide mental health navigation program in response to growing concerns surrounding linkages to the appropriate level of care and system navigation. Denton County Public Health (DCPH) Links program will be facilitated through the local health department and serve as an information and referral service for help seekers throughout the county. For the program infrastructure, Denton County Commissioners Court approved funding for two Mental Health Navigator positions to work under the supervision of a Licensed Master Social Worker. The Navigators will provide an accessible front door to services and be vital in the warm handoff to providers. The Navigators will identify the most appropriate referrals and facilitate the connection between the help seeker and available resources using validated assessment tools and direct liaising with community members and their support system. Denton County will procure technology to support program operations and to track key performance indicators related to program delivery and successful linkages. While the DCPH Links program is at the inception phase, Denton County is proud to implement a collectively designed program responsive to localized data and believes this infrastructure will be a valuable asset to residents.