Page 18 - 2018 MHT Annual Report

Work of the Trust
STANDING FOCUS AREAS
In addition to funding systems reform efforts aimed at criminal justice and Medicaid, trustees also approved spending in four established Trust focus areas.
Disability Justice: Trust beneficiaries are at increased risk for involvement with the criminal justice system, both as victims and defendants, due to their disabilities as well as deficiencies in the community treatment and support systems.
Substance Abuse Prevention & Treatment: Alcohol and drug abuse among Alaskans are substantial and constitute the largest preventable and most costly health problems in Alaska. The Trust’s work in
this area emphasizes the necessity of a full continuum of care from prevention and early intervention to treatment and recovery.
Housing & Long-Term Services & Supports: The Trust concentrates on ensuring beneficiaries have access to a range of services and supports that maximize independence in their home and community.
Beneficiary Employment & Engagement: The primary goal of this focus area is to improve outcomes for beneficiaries through integrated, competitive employment and meaningful engagement opportunities. Work is viewed as an essential part of recovery for individuals with a serious mental illness, and meaningful community engagement opportunities reduce isolation and promote health and well-being.
There are also specific areas of Trust work that bolster the standing focus areas by ensuring access to quality healthcare personnel and providers, and preventing,
17