The Ohio Council has finalized the results from the most recent COVID-19 BH Provider Impact Survey conducted 7/14/20 – 7/17/20. We received responses from 74 provider organizations representing a diverse and representative sample that describe the impact of COVID-19 on service access and capacity, workforce, and business operations. Here are a few highlights from this survey:
- 69% of behavioral health organizations report that the majority of their services continue to be provided via telehealth. Nearly 60% of organizations report they plan to continue providing as many services through telehealth as possible.
- 95% of organizations reported a decrease in weekly revenue and the majority of organizations (58%) report a decrease in weekly revenue of 21% or more.
- BH Providers have successfully accessed federal coronavirus funds to sustain service access, workforce and operations.
- 78% of organizations responding to this survey received forgivable loans through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). However, 15% of organizations were ineligible to even apply for the PPP due to organizational size.
- 73% of organizations reported receipt of HHS Provider Relief Funds at the time of the survey. 18% were in the process of applying for the Targeted Medicaid distribution
- PPP loans and other one-time federal funding has temporarily improved providers financial position with 66% of BH provider organization reporting more than 90 days cash on hand.
- 38 organization reported furloughing or laying off 915 FTEs due to the pandemic. Access to the federal PPP loans have enabled organizations to re-hire 324.25 FTEs or 35% of those furloughed/laid off.
- Access to Personal Protective Equipment has improved; however, BH providers continue to experience challenges in obtaining disinfecting/antibacterial cleaning wipes, disinfecting cleaning sprays and products, and hand sanitizer.
In summary: The latest Ohio Council BH Provider Survey documents the significant use of telehealth services to sustain service access during the pandemic. However, overall revenue has decreased by more than 20% for most BH provider organizations in a mostly telehealth environment. BH Providers have successfully accessed federal loan programs and other one-time resources to offset these losses, sustain workforce, and ensure access to critical behavioral health services. Moving forward, additional longer-term strategies and federal/state investment will be needed to cover the added expenses associated with COVID-19 in order to sustain the existing behavioral health infrastructure and respond to the expected surge in demand for mental health and addiction services.
Teresa Lampl, LISW-S, CEO
The Ohio Council of Behavioral Health & Family Services Providers
35 E. Gay Street, Suite 401, Columbus, OH 43215
lampl@theohiocouncil.org | 740-358-6567 (cell phone) | www.theohiocouncil.org
Advocating Today for a Healthy Tomorrow
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Neal Comstock
Director of Membership
National Council
NealC@TheNationalCouncil.org202 748-8793
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