MHA AZ extends our deepest thoughts and prayers for all those who have been affected by Hurricane Harvey. If you feel inclined to offer donations or contribute in some way, you may do so by contacting the American Red Cross
here.
You may also donate to our partner agency, Mental Health America of Greater Houston here.
On August 29th, MHA of AZ held their
Association of Associations meeting, topic being
Behavioral Health Integration in Arizona. Starting on October 1, 2018, AHCCCS intends to offer fully integrated contracts to manage the whole individual. AHCCCS envisions these Integrated Contractors offering behavioral health and physical health services to children and adult AHCCCS members not determined to have SMI.
At our meeting, we discussed the importance of these changes with 13 different health plans. Our panel spoke to the crucial components of a system that manages the whole individual. Our panel included Emily Jenkins, Director of Arizona Council of Human Service Providers; Kristina Sabetta, Executive Director of Mental Health America of Arizona; Jane Kallal, Executive Director of Family Involvement Center and Marcus Johnson, Director of State Health Policy and Advocacy at Vitalyst Health Foundation .
If you missed the meeting, you can view it
here. Also, don't forget to read about MHA AZ's position on behavioral health integration
here
Mental Health America's 2017 Back to School Toolkit aims to increase emotional intelligence and self-regulation through materials for parents, school personnel, and young people.
By using the toolkit materials, you will help members of your community:
1. Be aware of the relationship between emotions and behavior problems in youth;
2. Learn strategies for addressing bothersome emotions in healthy ways;
3. Increase understanding of how disciplinary procedures centered around exclusion and isolation are more harmful than helpful;
4. Access resources for finding treatment and help in times of crisis.
September marks the 27th annual National Recovery Month, which emphasizes the importance of preventing substance use and promoting positive mental health. September is a time for promoting the achievements of individuals who are in long-term recovery as well as honoring the treatment and service providers who make recovery possible.
To find events in your area or add an event that you are sponsoring,
There's still time to share your personal recovery story viaVoices for Recovery.
New Behavioral Health Barometer Reports Provide
In-Depth, State-Level Data
SAMHSA released the fourth edition of its
Behavioral Health Barometer state reports.
These reports include data about key issues such as the prevalence of substance use, serious thoughts of suicide, serious mental illness, and treatment, for each state and the District of Columbia. The findings are presented by age, gender, racial and ethnic categories, poverty status, and health insurance status. The reports can assist policymakers and public health providers in targeting programs and interventions to reduce the impact of mental and substance use disorders on America's communities.
In November 2017, AHCCCS will issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) to integrate physical and behavioral healthcare services and streamline services for members. Beginning October 2018, members will choose one healthcare plan for medical care (physical) as well as any needed behavioral health services (with exceptions for SMI and CMPD populations and crisis services). Before the RFP opens, we would like to hear from current AHCCCS members so we can best address questions during the process.
If you are a provider or advocacy group, please sharethis webpagewith AHCCCS members to gain additional information.
ADHS RELEASES OPIOID RESPONSE RECOMMENDATIONS
In June 2017, Governor Ducey issued a statewide emergency declaration after newly released data from ADHS showed 790 Arizonans died from opioid overdoses in 2016, an average of more than two people per day. The declaration required ADHS to:
Administer an enhanced surveillance advisory, providing enhanced reporting of overdose deaths
Develop and provide training to local law enforcement on protocols for administration of meds
Coordinate public health efforts between state, local and private-sector partners to identify prevention efforts.
