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Author ORCID Identifier
https://orcid.org/0009-0007-4316-1073
Date Available
4-30-2026
Year of Publication
2026
Document Type
Graduate Capstone Project
Degree Name
Master of Public Health (M.P.H.)
College
Public Health
Department/School/Program
Public Health
Faculty
Dr. Paula Arnett
Committee Member
Dr. Jayani Jayawardhana
Faculty
Dr. Dana Quesinberry
Abstract
Rural communities in Eastern Kentucky face persistent barriers to timely and effective mental health crisis care, including provider shortages, transportation challenges, and limited broadband infrastructure. Counties served by the Kentucky River Health Department Wolfe, Lee, Owsley, Perry, Knott, Leslie, and Letcher experience disproportionately high behavioral health needs while relying on shared regional resources. The Broadband-Enabled Rural Crisis Stabilization Initiative (BERCSI) is a proposed public health program designed to strengthen rural mental health crisis response through integrated, technology-enabled care. Grounded in evidence-based practices, including tele-mental health and crisis stabilization models, BERCSI leverages broadband expansion to facilitate rapid assessment, coordinated care, and improved continuity of services.
The program incorporates key partnerships with the Kentucky Department for Public Health, local health departments, healthcare organizations, and the University of Kentucky College of Public Health to support implementation, evaluation, and sustainability. BERCSI’s core activities include telehealth-enabled crisis assessments, care coordination, community outreach, and workforce training. A mixed-methods evaluation framework guided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will assess program reach, implementation fidelity, and early outcomes such as improved access to care, increased service utilization, and reduced reliance on emergency departments.
The program is supported by a realistic financial and sustainability strategy that incorporates federal funding opportunities, including Medicaid reimbursement supported through the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP), and alignment with rural health transformation priorities. Anticipated outcomes include improved crisis response capacity, enhanced care coordination, and reduced behavioral health disparities in rural communities. BERCSI provides a scalable, evidence-informed model for strengthening rural mental health systems through integrated public health and healthcare partnerships.
Recommended Citation
McNabb, Mary K., "Strengthening Rural Mental Health Crisis Response: Integrating Broadband Telehealth Care Across Counties Served by Kentucky River District Health Department" (2026). Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.). 504.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/cph_etds/504
