Behavioral Health Partners of MetroWest (BHPMW) recently announced the launch of MetroWest Care Connection, a health and social service hub, to better coordinate the delivery of mental health, substance use, primary healthcare, and social services for MetroWest residents.
Core funding for the MetroWest Care Connection is provided through a grant from MetroWest Health Foundation.
Behavioral and physical healthcare systems are complex, and individuals and families often need hands-on help navigating to the services they need to thrive.
In 2017, BHPMW established the MetroWest Referral Line (now known as the Navigation Line) as a single point of entry for people to access services for mental health, substance use, housing, and other social supports through local provider agencies. Residents may call 1-844-528-6800 to speak to a care navigator.
Building upon the Navigation Line and the many strengths of the health care system in the region, MetroWest Care Connection collaborates with other healthcare providers to make local outpatient health and social services more accessible, coordinated, and effective for individuals and families who often need multiple types of supports.
Recently, the program curated and launched a resource database that is available to individuals, families, and health care providers. Community members can search by zip code on the public-facing website to find and connect to local resources including housing, food assistance, mental health, addiction and recovery, health, financial assistance, work and education, emergency services, and other services. Community members can self-navigate the resource database at www.mwcareconnection.info.
“The MetroWest region is lucky to have a number of high-quality health and social service organizations available to residents, but very often trying to figure out where to go for help can be confusing,” says Martin Cohen, president and CEO of MetroWest Health Foundation. “The MetroWest Care Connection is a state-of-the art way to bring organizations together to create a seamless and integrated care delivery system for anyone seeking help.”
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the needs of our local communities and their residents. Stress, anxiety, trauma, and loss prompted many more people to reach out for support and assistance.
“The COVID-19 crisis created an opportunity for change and there is much local commitment and momentum to achieving it through the community hub model implemented by MetroWest Care Connection,” says Anne Pelletier Parker, Executive Director of BHPMW. “We are grateful to all our partners who are helping make health and social services accessible to all in our community.”
MetroWest Care Connection is comprised of a network of providers and community members within Framingham, Natick, and Ashland who oversee the project and collaborate to identify those in greatest need, determine the most effective interventions, and coordinate care.
