Columbus, OH, is confronting a growing mental health crisis, with vulnerable communities—especially Black residents and low-income households—facing disproportionate challenges in accessing care due to systemic barriers like transportation, stigma, and financial constraints. Columbus Public Health (CPH) is leading efforts to bridge these gaps through programs addressing postpartum mental health, social determinants of health, substance use disorders, and violence prevention. However, despite these efforts, there remains a significant shortage of mental health providers, with long wait times and limited services unable to meet the city’s rising demand.
FUSE Executive Fellow Lisa White will work with CPH to conduct a comprehensive gap analysis, engaging with stakeholders from hospitals, public health agencies, and community organizations to identify unmet needs and develop strategies for expanding mental health services. White will propose a business case for new programs and service models, aligning with existing initiatives and securing funding from insurance and other sources to ensure sustainability. By the end of the project, CPH will have a detailed roadmap for addressing the city’s mental health crisis, prioritizing care for its most underserved populations, and ensuring a coordinated, non-duplicative approach to public health services in Columbus.
