One of the behavioral health challenges that we’ve been facing in the valley over the last several years has been the lack of places that are available for urgent psychiatric care. Oftentimes persons in an acute psychiatric crisis end up being treated in an emergency department where they might not have the expertise to provide [...]
Our behavioral health team has been working for months to ensure a smooth transition to the new behavioral health service package for our folks that are receiving services but don’t qualify for AHCCCS benefits. We’re continuing to update our Guidelines Fact Sheet and our guidance to contractors regarding services to Non-Title XIX members with serious [...]
After a much wetter than usual winter in the Southwest, spring winds blew away most of the surface moisture and increased fire dangers. Until the monsoon arrives (probably sometime in early July), we’ll be in the peak season for wildland fires in Arizona. Our Department plays a significant role in the response for major wildland [...]
As I’ve mentioned in previous updates, the service package for folks with serious mental illnesses that don’t qualify for our state Medicaid program (AHCCCS) is being reduced beginning July 1 because of budget reductions. As a result, it’s more important than ever to make sure that everybody that may qualify has the opportunity top get [...]
Next Tuesday is the Special Election for Proposition 100. It’s a 3-year, 1 cent sales tax that would benefit education, public safety and health services. According to Section 149 of the budget bill that was passed last session, “If proposition 100 is not approved by the voters at the May 18, 2010 special election, notwithstanding any [...]
We’ve come a long way since the days of institutionalization and separation from community, the stigma and bias associated with mental illness, but we're not where we need to be yet. Reducing the stigma and bias against those facing mental health challenges is a tall order, but it can be done. Efforts to increase public [...]
Our behavioral health team has completed work on the new behavioral health service package for our folks that are receiving services but don't qualify for AHCCCS benefits. We've posted a Guidelines Fact Sheet or you can view ADHS guidance to contractors regarding services to Non-Title XIX members with serious mental illness, services to individuals experiencing a [...]
Last week was very busy for our behavioral health team. Staff held several community meetings all across the state and met with the people in charge of the Regional Behavioral Health Authorities regarding on the upcoming service package reductions for folks that don’t qualify for AHCCCS benefits. You can see our ADHS Continues to Seek [...]
As I’ve mentioned in earlier posts, the covered services will be changing for adults with serious mental illness who do not qualify for Medicaid in response to recent budget reductions. We’ve established a dedicated project team to research strategies to responsibly implement the benefit reductions. The project team, composed of peers, family members and agency [...]
Monday, April 19 is the registration deadline to vote on Proposition 100- which is the Special Election for the 3 year, 1% sales tax that would benefit education, public safety and health services (including behavioral health). The election will be held on May 18, but many people will be voting using early mail-in ballots. If [...]
