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Center hosts behavioral health summer institute and forum


July 18, 2012

Approximately 400 behavioral health professionals from Arizona communities will gather in Sedona July 17-20, for the 13th Annual Summer Institute. Hosted by ASU’s Center for Applied Behavioral Health Policy (CABHP) in the College of Public Programs, the theme for this year’s conference is “Mission Wellness: Business and Service Alignment for Health Outcomes.”

“Wellness is a holistic approach that in conjunction with integrated care can serve as a model of health care delivery that includes the full continuum of services ranging from prevention treatment, to continuing care, to long-term support,” said Vicki Staples, conference organizer and assistant director of Clinical Initiative at CABHP.

“Business and service alignment is about how to make sure clinical services consider the business perspective of health care delivery, and that business decisions enhance clinical practice. The advent of health care reform makes this alignment increasingly important for effective outcomes.”

Since 1999, the institute has provided a statewide forum for disseminating information about evidence-supported approaches for treating Arizonans impacted by mental illness and substance use disorders. A sellout every year, the institute is held at the Hilton Sedona Resort and Spa. Presenters range from nationally recognized experts in the field of behavioral health, to Arizona community and state agency representatives.

The Arizona Behavioral Health Town Hall is a focal point of the conference and brings together thought leaders to discuss issues and challenges affecting the availability of behavioral health care to Arizona families.

This year’s panelist includes, Peter Wertheim, vice president of Arizona Healthcare and Hospital Association; Suzanne Legender, CEO of Stand Together and Recover Centers; Robert Cartia, CEO of Verde Valley Guidance Center; Travis J, Robinette, CEO of Sun Life Health Center; Kalyanraman Bharathan, CEO of Health Information Network of Arizona; and Bert McKinnon, president of the Board of Directors, Northern Arizona Healthcare.

The panel will respond to questions posed by policy analyst William Hart of the ASU Morrison Institute, along with questions from the audience. The Town Hall discussion will focus on the challenges and opportunities of the Patient Protection & Affordability Care Act of 2009 in improving access to behavioral health care and in the integration of behavioral health and primary care services.