The University of South Carolina School of Medicine, in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Mental Health (DMH), Office of Research and Statistics and Emory University, has been awarded a one million dollar Ro1 grant from the National Institute of Mental Health. This grant is titled “Clinical and Policy Implications of a Statewide Emergency Telepsychiatry Project.” It will explore outcomes from a cutting-edge telemedicine initiative in emergency departments across the state of South Carolina called “Partners in Behavioral Health Emergency Services” that delivers care to some of the most vulnerable patients at the most critical point in the course of their treatment.

DMH has been partnering with the South Carolina Hospital Association on the Emergency Telepsychiatry project which is funded by a Duke Endowment grant. This project is unique and one of a kind in the nation. Psychiatrists provide around-the clock coverage for consultation with hospital emergency departments all across the state of South Carolina.

This Ro1 grant will allow for the collection and analysis of data that is gathered through the Emergency Telepsychiatry project. In turn, it will provide the opportunity to make policy decisions that will enhance the care and service to the mentally ill citizens of South Carolina. This is the first time that DMH has had the opportunity to participate in a Ro1 grant.

Meera Narasimhan, MD, professor of Psychiatry and director, Biological Research, Department of Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of South Carolina School of Medicine and Benjamin Druss, MD, MPH, Rosalynn Carter Chair in Mental Health, Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University, will serve as the Co-Principal Investigators on this grant.

Dr. Narasimhan is also the director of Clinical Research and Psychopharmacology Consultation at the South Carolina Department of Mental Health.