San Luis Obispo (SLO) County Public Health is working to bring more personalized and supportive care to Medi-Cal members through the Providing Access and Transforming Health (PATH) Collaborative Planning and Implementation (CPI) initiative.
As a member of the PATH Collaborative’s Steering Committee, SLO County Public Health is focused on improving Enhanced Care Management (ECM) by supporting lead care managers (LCM), identifying and solving implementation challenges, and developing tailored solutions that meet a wide range of member needs. One recent story shows the impact of this approach.
After more than six years of experiencing homelessness, a veteran living with mental health and substance use disorder challenges struggled to access care and was being overlooked. Staff from the SLO County Public Health Department ECM program met him at a community shower site, where he appeared quiet and withdrawn.
An LCM began building trust with him through consistent, compassionate outreach. Over time, the individual began to engage and was connected to behavioral health services.
When traditional housing programs like Section 8 didn’t work out, the LCM explored other options and found a rental listed on Craigslist. The LCM met with the landlord in person to explain the client’s progress and the ECM team’s commitment to his ongoing support. The landlord agreed to give him a chance.
Now, a year later, the client remains housed and is thriving. He feels safe, stable, and connected to services, and has even reconnected with his family. His story reflects the power of persistence, the value of whole-person care, and the importance of meeting people where they are.
As the LCM remarked, “It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.”
Have you joined your local network of CalAIM stakeholders working together to implement quality Enhanced Care Management (ECM) and Community Supports services for members?