The University of Idaho has received $1.2 million in federal funding to establish Idaho’s first pediatric psychiatry access line.
The Idaho Pediatric Psychiatry Access Line, or ID-PPAL, is expected to launch in 2027. The program will connect pediatric healthcare providers statewide with child and adolescent psychiatrists based in Idaho.
The University of Idaho’s School of Health and Medical Professions received the funding through the Rural Health Transformation Program. SHAMP has worked on developing the program for nearly three years.
Idaho is currently the only state in the nation without a pediatric psychiatry access line. The state ranks 48th nationally for mental health, and families may wait six to 12 months for a child psychiatric appointment.
Russell Baker, a SHAMP co-director, said the funding will give providers direct access to psychiatric expertise and reduce the need for families to wait months or travel hours for help.
Training for participating providers will center on REACH Institute certification. ID-PPAL will also use SHAMP’s ECHO Idaho program to provide free, statewide virtual continuing education sessions.
Shannon McDowell and Madeline Casanova have led the program’s development. University of Idaho President Scott Green said the university’s statewide mission includes addressing gaps in care.
Providers and clinic staff can learn more at the University of Idaho’s ID-PPAL information page.