BRIDGING MENTAL HEALTHCARE GAPS: TARGETED DEPRESSION SCREENING IN AFRICAN AMERICAN FAITH-BASED COMMUNITY

Problem Description: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) significantly impacts African American communities, exacerbated by barriers such as stigma, healthcare mistrust, and limited access to care. African Americans experience higher severity and prolonged illness but receive fewer screenings and treatment services compared to other populations.Purpose: This quality improvement project aimed to bridge mental healthcare gaps by implementing a targeted depression screening protocol using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) in an African American faith-based community to improve early detection and resource connection.Methods: A structured depression screening protocol was developed and conducted over four weeks in a local church setting, utilizing a multidisciplinary Wellness Team comprising Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, and support staff. Participants completed the PHQ-9, received immediate psychoeducation, and received appropriate mental health resources and follow-up care based on their scores.Results: Of 81 registered participants, 45 (56%) attended screenings. Most participants (60%) exhibited minimal depressive symptoms, while 24% required follow-up for moderate to severe depression. Workflow modifications addressed clinician availability, improving responsiveness and efficiency. Clinician interaction averaged 22 minutes per participant, adapting to the participant's needs. Challenges included logistical constraints from concurrent church activities and resource distribution omissions.Conclusions: Implementing a structured depression screening within faith-based settings is feasible and effectively identifies depression severity and care needs. Addressing logistical challenges and enhancing community engagement could improve screening uptake and sustainability, reinforcing faith-based organizations' critical role in addressing mental health disparities.