News Releases
AVON, Conn., Sep 27, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Magellan Health Services (Nasdaq: MGLN), an industry leader in behavioral health care management, has partnered with ACMHA: The College for Behavioral Health Leadership* to present a national webinar series focusing on hot topics and emerging issues in the public sector behavioral health arena. The interactive webinars leverage Magellan's and ACMHA's expertise and understanding of current events in the behavioral health industry and feature prominent industry subject matter experts as presenters and panelists. Launched in April, the 90-minute monthly sessions are offered free of charge to health care providers, consumer advocates, families and others interested in behavioral health issues.
"Through these forums, we are engaging the public sector behavioral health community in the discussion of treatment trends and research, health care policies and strategies," said Tom Lane, Magellan's national director, consumer and recovery services. "Our intention is to provide valuable information and encourage meaningful dialogue to help shape best practices in mental health and substance use services."
The webinar series features a wide variety of topics and presenters. For example, so far this year:
- Paolo del Vecchio, MSW, associate director for consumer affairs from the Center for Mental Health Services, highlighted the Campaign for Mental Health Recovery, which aims to inspire older youth to help others in their communities learn to understand and accept mental illness in order to decrease stigma.
- Joan Gillece, Ph.D., National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, discussed the effects of trauma and trauma-informed systems of care.
- Tom Gloss of CESSI (a division of Axiom Resource Management) and the Social Security Administration's program manager for recruitment and outreach, presented the Ticket to Work Program and Work Incentives Improvement Act. These programs promote the competitive employment of individuals with disabilities--including those with behavioral health challenges.
Other webinars have focused on:
- Behavioral health integrated workforce competence
- Children's crisis and school-based mental health services
Upcoming webinars will address:
- Sept. 30 - Outcomes and outcome-monitoring tools
- Oct. 28 - Substance use and co-occurring disorders
- Nov. 18 - Recovery coaches and peer wellness
"Our partnership with Magellan supports ACMHA's commitment to facilitating an exchange of ideas to help improve the lives of people with mental health and substance use disorders and the systems that provide treatment services," said Kris Ericson, Ph.D., ACMHA's executive director. "These educational webinars connect diverse behavioral health stakeholders who are concerned with improving policy and practice. They address complex issues of emerging importance and promote innovation."
To register for the upcoming webinar, "Outcomes Measurement: Why, What, and How?" on Thursday, Sept. 30 from 2-3:30 p.m. Eastern, click on this link for additional details.
Continuing education credits are available to providers who attend the live webinars. Past webinars are archived and available to access on www.MagellanHealth.com/training.
*ACMHA: The College for Behavioral Health Leadership was previously known as the American College of Mental Health Administration.
About Magellan:
Headquartered in Avon, Conn., Magellan Health Services, Inc., is a leading specialty health care management organization with expertise in managing behavioral health, radiology and specialty pharmaceuticals, as well as public sector pharmacy benefits programs. Magellan delivers innovative solutions to improve quality outcomes and optimize the cost of care for those we serve. Magellan's customers include health plans, employers and government agencies, serving nearly 60 million people nationwide. For more information, visit www.MagellanHealth.com.
About ACMHA: The College for Behavioral Health Leadership:
ACMHA: The College for Behavioral Health Leadership has a proven record of demonstrating the vision to pinpoint cutting-edge issues and support the development of innovative strategies to move the field. ACMHA accomplishes this by connecting a diverse group of behavioral health stakeholders and nurturing their leadership. Now in its 30th year, ACMHA is focused on equipping behavioral health leaders for a field that is rapidly changing in extraordinary times. The College's unique mission focuses on leadership, service and education within the profession as a solution-provider. Guided by its membership, Board of Directors, and a robust strategic plan, ACMHA is committed to expanding its range and diversity of membership experiences, providing peer-to-peer senior and emerging leadership forums, focusing on national issues related to policies and practices, and creating consensus where controversy exists around core issues related to the quality of behavioral health care for individuals, families, and communities. Visit www.acmha.org for more information.
SOURCE: Magellan Health Services
Magellan Health Services Media Contact: Christine Barnhart, 410-953-2421
Copyright Business Wire 2010