GV, previously Google Ventures, has invested $28.1 million in serious mental illness-focused startup firsthand.
New York-based firsthand is trying to forge trust with patients with serious mental illness (SMI) while boosting the population’s engagement with the health care system and community resources, Behavioral Health Business reports.
firsthand uses a peer-support model to help patients with SMI access care. All its peer-support specialists, called firsthand guides, have lived experience with SMI and are trained to engage with a patient at home.
firsthand also connects patients to a benefit-enrollment specialist, who can help them navigate paperwork and enroll in their eligible benefits. In addition to health insurance, this could include housing support, nutrition assistance and transit vouchers. Read more.
