User:Margaretgrensing/sandbox/The DIAMOND Initiative and Depression in Minnesota

Currently, there is a severe lack in approachable resources for depression for residents of Minnesota. High costs of treatments and the vast spread of diverse population attribute to the noted lack of resources. Average total cost of treatment ranges from $487 to $1145 per adult resident (Minnesota Health Scores, 2018). There is a high population of immigrants residing in Minnesota, especially of Somalian origin. Many of these immigrants lack the understanding of how to navigate the healthcare system in Minnesota (Mayo Healthcare System, 2016). In addition to this, many residents reside in rural communities, unable to access the mental health treatment they require. All of these issues can be resolved through the expansion and further support of the previously successful DIAMOND Initiative. The DIAMOND Initiative was a successful program that was launched in 2008 and studied over the course of several years. The goal of the study was to implement a new model of depression care within clinics across Minnesota as well as an affordable clinic reimbursement method to sustain the program over time (Williams, 2011). Unfortunately, there has not been research done as of late, and residents of Minnesota could greatly benefit from the further support and expansion of such a program. Findings of the DIAMOND Initiative suggest that it was quite a successful program. Through the DIAMOND initiative, residents were offered new and affordable resources such as telehealth in rural areas and the option of visiting current physicians for a low copay, as nearly 80 clinics across the state participated in the program. Forty three percent of participating patients entered remission after just six months (Minnesota Department of Health). Support and expansion of the DIAMOND Initiative could vastly improve the treatments and their availability to residents of Minnesota struggling with depression.

Referneces: Mayo Clinic Health System. (2016). Helping Somalis connect with U.S. health care. Retrieved from https://mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/helping-somalis-connect-with-us-health-care. Minnesota Community Measurement. (2018). Cost of services and procedures ratings. Retrieved from http://www.mnhealthscores.org/search/site//bundle/medical_group/managing_cost/topics/854.855.856-792.791/#/results?topics=P854.P855.P856.M792.M791&viewmode=detail&page=24&non_rpt_hidden=y&columnname=P854&columntosort=P854&sortorder=desc Office of Rural Health & Primary Care, Minnesota Department of Health. Successful Model: Mental behavioral health. Retrieved from http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/orhpc/models/pdf/diamond.pdf. Williams, K. (2011). Translation of an evidence-based collaborative care model for depression into 80 primary care practices. Outcomes and lessons learned. European Psychiatry, 26(1), 1866.