Greetings from IOD Director Kelly Nye-Lengerman
Each year brings new opportunities and changes, and 2022 was an example of this. Since NCSS’s inception in 2009, Dr. Joan Beasley has led the center and created national momentum to improve lives of individuals with IDD-MH and their families. In July 2022, Dr. Beasley stepped down from her role as Director of NCSS. She continues to be engaged in impactful research, consultation, and teaching at UNH and beyond. Her leadership, guidance, and commitment have built a national network of START programs and partnerships which have changed how services and supports are delivered and received.
In December 2022, NCSS welcomed a new Director, Ms. Pam Flaherty, who brings a wealth of knowledge and experiences in leadership, disability, educational engagement, and systems change. New leadership provides NCSS and our network the opportunity to strengthen and highlight our impacts, as well as explore new ways to collaborate and lead in the field of IDD-MH. Our work and positive outcomes are multiplied by the national network of START teams, providers, individuals with lived experience, researchers, and allies who are dedicated to the creating responsive communities that meet the mental health needs of people with IDD. Thank you for your continued engagement and partnership. Together, we’ll continue to do amazing work.
By the Numbers
At NCSS
- 74 START coordinators certified
- 1,000+ hours of training provided to professionals
- 4,000+ professionals enrolled in training
Across the START Network
- 2,786 crisis calls resulting in 75% of people remaining in their community
- 3,512 people with IDD-MH served
- 71% of people served had a reduction in mental health symptoms
National Service Outcomes
Emergency Service Utilization
Distribution of Crisis Contacts
* Other: crisis stabilization, unknown/unspecified, resource center, medical admission, jail/detention.
START Population
Age
| Age | Number | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Children (6-17) | 1,227 | 35% |
| Young Adults (18-30) | 1,532 | 44% |
| Adults (31-54) | 663 | 19% |
| Older Adults (55+) | 90 | 3% |
| Total | 3,512 | 100% |
Race/Ethnicity
| Race/Ethnicity | Number | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| American Indian or Alaska Native | 29 | 1% |
| Asian | 161 | 5% |
| Black or African American | 735 | 21% |
| Hispanic/Latino/Latina listed as race | 221 | 6% |
| Middle Eastern | 9 | <1% |
| Two or more races | 240 | 7% |
| Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander | 6 | <1% |
| White | 2,040 | 58% |
| Unknown/declined to provide | 71 | 2% |
| Hispanic/Latino of any race as ethnicity | 593 | 17% |
START Network Expansion
New Programs
START Expansion continues with new programs in the following areas.
- Denver START
- NY START Region 2
- CA START - Central Valley
- CA START - East LA
- CA START - Golden Gate
- CA START - Harbor
- CA START - Lanterman
- CA START - North Bay
- CA START - Redwood Coast
- CA START - Tri-Counties
- CA START - Valley Mountain
View map of all current locations
Other Developments
In 2022, system evaluations were completed in Wisconsin and Maine. System evaluations are in progress in Boulder, CO and Louisiana. In addition, a pilot project was begun in New Mexico.
The Denver START team held a launch event on September 26, 2022.
Events and Accomplishments
2022 Virtual START National Training Institute: "The Pursuit of Happiness"
- May 2-4, 2022
- More than 600 registrants
- 36 states represented
- 92% overall satisfaction rating
- 91% would recommend SNTI to others
California START Statewide Virtual Conference: "Building Capacity by Enhancing California's System of Care"
- December 7, 2022 (half-day)
- 475 unique users
Integrated Mental Health Treatment Guidelines for Prescribers in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- 9,283 website visits
- 1,369 downloads
- 122 participants viewed the video training
- 92 medical students and 30 community providers
The New Hampshire START Resource Center created a sensory garden in summer 2022 and hosts “sensory strolls” for guests.