Access to Behavioral Health / en Wed, 30 Apr 2025 02:47:12 -0500 Wed, 09 Apr 25 11:16:33 -0500 Behavioral Health Challenges and Partnership Impact /education-events/behavioral-health-challenges-and-partnership-impact <p><strong>Behavioral Health Challenges and Partnership Impact </strong><br><em>Improve Clinical and Operational Performance with Expert Tools, Resources and Training</em></p><p><strong>Thursday, May 15, 2025  </strong><br><em>1 - 2 p.m. Eastern; noon - 1 p.m. Central; 10 - 11 a.m. Pacific</em></p><p>There are many challenges to operating a hospital behavioral health inpatient unit. Understanding the common challenges and their impact on the overall viability of a hospital’s behavioral health program is crucial.</p><p>In this webinar, you’ll hear a case study from a hospital that struggled for many years to improve its behavioral health’s clinical and operational performance. After a thorough assessment of their internal and external partnership options, the hospital's leadership made the proactive decision to partner with Horizon Health to manage the unit. This collaboration was aimed at identifying and addressing the root causes of the behavioral health program’s sub-optimal performance, ultimately leading to significant improvements in their behavioral health department. Learn how the hospital approached its challenges, learned from its experiences and started making progress towards improvement. Positive results included process improvement acceleration, leadership and staff development, best practices creation, policy and procedure updates, and improvements in access to care and patient outcomes. Join us to learn how having access to a team of experts providing tools, resources and training can help optimize clinical and operational performance to improve care and access for your communities.  </p><p><strong>Attendees Will Learn: </strong></p><ul><li>Common challenges impeding high performance in your inpatient behavioral health department.  </li><li>How to improve the quality of care and expand access to behavioral health services in your community by effectively addressing challenges and implementing necessary updates. </li><li>How to optimize performance through a partnership model providing expert tools, resources and training.</li></ul><p><strong>Speaker(s):  </strong></p><p>Jackie Anhalt, MS, MSN, RN, NEA-BC <br><em>Chief Nursing Officer </em><br><strong>ThedaCare </strong></p> Wed, 09 Apr 2025 11:16:33 -0500 Access to Behavioral Health Intermountain Health partners with Ad Council to address firearm injuries among youth /role-hospitals-intermountain-health-partners-ad-council-address-firearm-injuries-among-youth <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-9"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-6"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-04/ths-agree-to-agree-700x532.jpg" data-entity-uuid data-entity-type="file" alt="Intermountain Health partners with Ad Council to address firearm injuries among youth. Agree to Agree poster shows two men talking" width="700" height="532"></p></div><p>For the past three years, firearm injuries have been the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 17 in the United States. In response, the Ad Council, in partnership with Intermountain Health and a coalition of health care and business leaders, launched the social impact program "<a href="https://agreetoagree.org/" target="_blank">Agree to Agree</a>," an initiative to reduce gun-related tragedies affecting children and teens. The program focuses on the full spectrum of firearm injuries, including suicides, intentional and unintentional shootings.</p><p>“Over the past year, Intermountain caregivers have done extensive work in the areas of suicide prevention and gun safety,” said Rob Allen, president and chief executive officer of Intermountain Health. “By raising awareness and offering training and resources, we help to both save lives and remove the stigma around conversations on gun safety and mental health.”</p><p>Intermountain Health has been actively working to protect communities by distributing nearly 67,000 free firearm locks and increasing access to mental health resources. The "Agree to Agree" campaign focuses on the idea that gun owners and non-gun owners can agree that firearms should not be the leading cause of death for children and teens. The campaign includes public safety announcements for parents and health care professionals, directing them to resources on how to prevent firearm injuries and have supportive conversations about gun safety and mental health.</p><p><a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://news.intermountainhealth.org/intermountain-health-joins-initiative-to-curb-impact-of-firearm-injuries-and-deaths-on-americas-youth/">LEARN MORE</a></p></div></div><div class="col-md-3"><div><h4>Resources on the Role of Hospitals</h4><ul><li><a href="/community-benefit">Benefiting Communities</a></li><li><a href="/roleofhospitals">All Case Studies</a></li></ul></div></div></div></div> Tue, 08 Apr 2025 15:43:46 -0500 Access to Behavioral Health Stress and Coping Resources /stress-and-coping-resources <div class="raw-html-embed"><div class="container"> .bhi-topics { border-bottom: 1px solid #55555555; margin: 0px 10px 10px 10px; padding: 15px; } .bhi-topics p {font-size: 20px;} .bhi-topics h3{ color:#002855; } /* Filtered Section -- ctaArticleTilesWrapper -- ctaArticleTilesItem */ @media (min-width:991px) { .ctaArticleTiles.rowEqual_768 { display: -webkit-box; display: -webkit-flex; display: -ms-flexbox; display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; } .ctaArticleTiles.rowEqual_768>[class*='ctaArticleTilesWrapper'] { -ms-flex: 1; /* IE 10 */ flex: auto; width: calc((100% / 2) - 20px) /*Adjust # for the number per row, will override the bootstrap - Also needed for Safari*/; } } @media (min-width:768px) and (max-width:991px){ .ctaArticleTiles.rowEqual_768 { display: -webkit-box; display: -webkit-flex; display: -ms-flexbox; display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; } .ctaArticleTiles.rowEqual_768>[class*='ctaArticleTilesWrapper'] { -ms-flex: 1; /* IE 10 */ flex: auto; width: calc((100% / 2) - 20px) /*Adjust # for the number per row, will override the bootstrap - Also needed for Safari*/; } } @media (min-width:376px) and (max-width:767px) { .ctaArticleTiles.rowEqual_768 { display: -webkit-box; display: -webkit-flex; display: -ms-flexbox; display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; } .ctaArticleTiles.rowEqual_768>[class*='ctaArticleTilesWrapper'] { -ms-flex: 1; /* IE 10 */ flex: auto; width: calc((100% / 1) - 20px) /*Adjust # for the number per row, will override the bootstrap - Also needed for Safari*/; } } .ctaArticleTilesWrapper{ margin:0 10px 20px 10px; transition: .7s; } .ctaArticleTilesWrapper .ctaArticleTilesItem { /*border: solid 2px rgba(85, 85, 85, 0.33); border: solid 2px #55555555;*/ border-right: solid 2px rgba(85, 85, 85, 0.33); border-right: solid 2px #55555555; border-bottom: solid 2px rgba(85, 85, 85, 0.33); border-bottom: solid 2px #55555555; border-top: solid 2px #fff; border-left: solid 2px #fff; /*background-color: rgba(85, 85, 85, 0.07); background-color: #55555511;*/ padding: 10px; overflow: hidden; height: 100%; } .ctaArticleTilesWrapper .ctaArticleTilesItem h3{ margin: 0 0 15px 0; line-height: 1em; font-size:1.3em } .ctaArticleTilesWrapper .ctaArticleTilesItem:hover h3 a{ color:#555 } .ctaArticleTilesWrapper .ctaArticleTilesItem p{ font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.3em } .ctaArticleTilesWrapper:hover { transform: scale(1.05); transition: .7s; } .ctaArticleTilesWrapper .ctaArticleTilesItem:hover { border-right: solid 0px rgba(85, 85, 85, 0.33); border-bottom: solid 0px rgba(85, 85, 85, 0.33); border-right: solid 2px #5fa1d0; border-bottom: solid 2px #5fa1d0; border-top: solid 2px #5fa1d0; border-left: solid 2px #5fa1d0; } .ctaArticleTilesWrapper .ctaArticleTilesItem span{ font-weight: 700; color: #d50032; } .ctaArticleTilesWrapper .ctaArticleTilesItem p{ text-align: right; opacity: .5; font-size:12px !important; } /* Filtered Section -- ctaArticleTilesWrapper -- ctaArticleTilesItem // */ } <div class="row"> <div class="col-md-8 col-sm-8"> <p>Health care workers and community members are facing challenges like never before. Hospitals and health systems are working on many fronts to support the health care workforce, including enhancing support for their mental well-being. There are many ways to address mental well-being, including mindfulness and stress reduction; crisis support; and, if needed, therapy and/or medication.</p> <p>We hope you find the strategies and resources on this page useful to manage your own mental well-being, and the mental well-being of your health care providers. </p> </div> <div class="col-md-4 col-sm-4"> <div class="panel module-typeC"> <div class="panel-heading"><h4>Featured Resources</h4></div> <div class="panel-body"><ul> <li><strong>RESOURCE SNAPSHOT</strong> <a href="/system/files/media/file/2024/03/Well-being-resources-2024.pdf">Health Care Worker Well-Being</a></li> <li><strong>ORGANIZATION</strong> <a href="https://drlornabreen.org/">Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation</a></li> <li><strong>WEBSITE</strong> <a href="/stress-meter">Stress Meter™</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="container"> <div class="row col-md-12"> <hr> <a id="bh-nav"></a> <div class="btn-group btn-group-justified"> <a class="btn btn-primary" href="#docs-nurses">Physicians & Nurses </a> <a class="btn btn-primary" href="#o-pros">Other Health Care Professionals </a> <a class="btn btn-primary" href="#bh-pros">Behavioral Health Care Professionals </a> <a class="btn btn-primary" href="#public">General Public</a> </div> </div> <div class="row col-md-12"><p> </p></div> </div> <div class="bhi-topics"> <div class="row"> <h3 id="docs-nurses">Physicians & Nurses</h3> <p>Stress, burnout and even depression are prevalent among physicians and nurses. These curated tools and resources can help health care workers address their mental well-being. </p> </div> <div class="row"> <div class="col-xs-12"> <div class="ctaArticleTiles rowEqual_768"> <div class="ctaArticleTilesWrapper"> <div class="ctaArticleTilesItem"> <span>Report</span> <h3> <a href="/system/files/media/file/2021/03/lln-playbook-companion-0321.pdf" title="AHA Hospitals in Action: Supporting Care Teams">AHA Hospitals in Action: Supporting Care Teams</a> </h3> <p> AHA </p> </div> </div> <div class="ctaArticleTilesWrapper"> <div class="ctaArticleTilesItem"> <span>Blog</span> <h3> <a href="/news/blog/2020-07-14-fostering-resilient-leadership-times-crisis" title="Fostering Resilient Leadership in Times of Crisis">Fostering Resilient Leadership in Times of Crisis </a> </h3> <p> AHA </p> </div> </div> <div class="ctaArticleTilesWrapper"> <div class="ctaArticleTilesItem"> <span>Toolkit</span> <h3> <a href="https://wellmd.stanford.edu/wellbeing-toolkit.html" title="Standford WellMD: Resilience">Standford WellMD: Resilience</a> </h3> <p> Stanford WellMD </p> </div> </div> <div class="ctaArticleTilesWrapper"> <div class="ctaArticleTilesItem"> <span>Support Line</span> <h3> <a href="https://www.physiciansupportline.com/" title="Physician Support Line">Physician Support Line</a> </h3> <p> Physician Support Line </p> </div> </div> <div class="ctaArticleTilesWrapper"> <div class="ctaArticleTilesItem"> <span>Video</span> <h3> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIeu1rJQjhs&list=PLlx6E76Mr_sYgVfjeWYb9ktiijznI07Iu&index=7&t=0s" title="Beyond Resilience: Making a Difference When it Matters Most">Beyond Resilience: Making a Difference When it Matters Most</a> </h3> <p> AHA </p> </div> </div> <div class="ctaArticleTilesWrapper"> <div class="ctaArticleTilesItem"> <span>Case Study</span> <h3> <a href="/case-studies/2020-01-29-preventing-physician-suicide-center-worklife-wellbeing" title="Preventing Physician Suicide: Center for WorkLife Wellbeing">Preventing Physician Suicide: Center for WorkLife Wellbeing</a> </h3> <p> AHA </p> </div> </div> <div class="ctaArticleTilesWrapper"> <div class="ctaArticleTilesItem"> <span>Guide</span> <h3> <a href="/workforce-strategies/ch1-addressing-well-being" title="Well-being Guide">Strengthening the Health Care Workforce</a> </h3> <p> AHA </p> </div> </div> <div class="ctaArticleTilesWrapper"> <div class="ctaArticleTilesItem"> <span>Playbook</span> <h3> <a href="/system/files/media/file/2021/03/lln-playbook-companion-0321.pdf" title="AHA Hospitals in Action: Supporting Care Teams">AHA Hospitals in Action: Supporting Care Teams </a> </h3> <p> AHA </p> </div> </div> <div class="ctaArticleTilesWrapper"> <div class="ctaArticleTilesItem"> <span>White Paper</span> <h3> <a href="https://www.relias.com/resource/nurse-moral-injury-supporting-your-team?utm_medium=email&utm_source=Pardot&utm_campaign=acu_em_2020-09-09_suicide-prevention-week" title="White paper: Are your nurses experiencing moral injury? What you can do to support your team">Are your nurses experiencing moral injury? What you can do to support your team</a> </h3> <p> Relias </p> </div> </div> <div class="ctaArticleTilesWrapper"> <div class="ctaArticleTilesItem"> <span>Blog</span> <h3> <a href="/news/blog/2020-07-14-fostering-resilient-leadership-times-crisis" title="Fostering Resilient Leadership in Times of Crisis">Fostering Resilient Leadership in Times of Crisis</a> </h3> <p> AHA </p> </div> </div> <div class="ctaArticleTilesWrapper"> <div class="ctaArticleTilesItem"> <span>Resource</span> <h3> <a href="https://www.aonl.org/resources/leading-through-crisis" title="Crisis leadership resource for nurse leaders">Crisis leadership resource for nurse leaders</a> </h3> <p> AONL </p> </div> </div> <div class="ctaArticleTilesWrapper"> <div class="ctaArticleTilesItem"> <span>Blog</span> <h3> <a href="/news/blog/2020-12-15-blog-integrating-physical-and-behavioral-health-lower-suicide-risk" title="AONL Resilience Expert Has Tips for Employees’ Mental Health">AONL Resilience Expert Has Tips for Employees’ Mental Health </a> </h3> <p> AHA </p> </div> </div> <div class="ctaArticleTilesWrapper"> <div class="ctaArticleTilesItem"> <span>Resource</span> <h3> <a href="https://nam.edu/product/compendium-of-key-resources-for-improving-clinician-well-being/" title="National Academy of Medicine Resources to Support the Health & Well-Being of Clinicians">National Academy of Medicine Resources to Support the Health & Well-Being of Clinicians</a> </h3> <p> National Academy of Medicine </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p><a class="btn btn-primary" href="#bh-nav">TOP ⇫</a></p> </div> <div class="bhi-topics"> <div class="row"> <h3 id="o-pros">Other Health Care Professionals</h3> <p>Stress and anxiety are not unique to physicians and nurses. Other health care professionals experience stress, burnout and even depression as they strive to meet the ever-changing demands of health care delivery. These curated tools and resources are designed to support the mental well-being of the broader health care workforce. </p> <p>Integration of physical and behavioral health can occur in many settings. This section focuses on integrating care in the urgent care setting.</p> </div> <div class="col-md-4"> <div class="panel module-typeC"> <h5>Featured Resource</h5> <p><span>Case Study</span><br> <a href="/case-studies/2023-06-16-behavioral-health-crisis-center-reduces-ed-visits-shrinks-health-disparities">Cone Health: Behavioral health crisis center reduces ED visits, shrinks health disparitiesy</a><br> June 2023</p> </div> </div>--> </div> <div class="row"> <div class="col-xs-12"> <div class="ctaArticleTiles rowEqual_768"> <div class="ctaArticleTilesWrapper"> <div class="ctaArticleTilesItem"> <span>Playbook</span> <h3> <a href="/system/files/media/file/2021/03/lln-playbook-companion-0321.pdf" title="AHA Hospitals in Action: Supporting Care Teams">AHA Hospitals in Action: Supporting Care Teams </a> </h3> <p> AHA </p> </div> </div> <div class="ctaArticleTilesWrapper"> <div class="ctaArticleTilesItem"> <span>Video</span> <h3> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Elh10nk3EsQ&feature=youtu.be&ab_channel=AmericanHospitalAssociation">Advancing Well-Being During and After a Pandemic </a> </h3> <p> AHA </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <h4>External Resources</h4> <div class="row"> <div class="col-xs-12"> <div class="ctaArticleTiles rowEqual_768"> <div class="ctaArticleTilesWrapper"> <div class="ctaArticleTilesItem"> <span>Report</span> <h3> <a href="https://www.ihi.org/insights/why-psychological-ppe-important-health-care-workforce">Why Is “Psychological PPE” Important for the Health Care Workforce?</a> </h3> <p> IHI </p> </div> </div> <div class="ctaArticleTilesWrapper"> <div class="ctaArticleTilesItem"> <span>Website</span> <h3> <a href="https://www.ptsd.va.gov/appvid/mobile/index.asp">National Center for PTSD</a> </h3> <p> Department of Veterans Affairs </p> </div> </div> <div class="ctaArticleTilesWrapper"> <div class="ctaArticleTilesItem"> <span>Toolkit</span> <h3> <a href="https://hsq.dukehealth.org/well-being-toolkit/">DukeHealth: Well-Being Toolkit</a> </h3> <p> DukeHealth </p> </div> </div> <div class="ctaArticleTilesWrapper"> <div class="ctaArticleTilesItem"> <span>Video Series</span> <h3> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjNwQNphpjvIQQclixFTjLA/featured">Duke’s Bite-sized Well-being Strategies for Cultivating Work-life Balance, Gratitude, Self-compassion and Awe</a> </h3> <p> Duke Center for Healthcare Safety and Quality </p> </div> </div> <div class="ctaArticleTilesWrapper"> <div class="ctaArticleTilesItem"> <span>Podcast</span> <h3> <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/6AXbjhF4shWm8rWWuBZfr9">Disrupting Behavior: strategies to minimize disruptive behavior </a> </h3> <p>Duke Center for Healthcare Safety and Quality </p> </div> </div> <div class="ctaArticleTilesWrapper"> <div class="ctaArticleTilesItem"> <span>Article</span> <h3> <a href="https://www.aonl.org/news/psychiatric-np-offers-self-care-tips-for-pandemic-times">Psychiatric NP Offers Self-care Tips for Pandemic Times</a> </h3> <p> AONL </p> </div> </div> <div class="ctaArticleTilesWrapper"> <div class="ctaArticleTilesItem"> <span>Toolkit</span> <h3> <a href="https://www.unchealthcare.org/wellbeing/toolkit/toolkit-overview/mental-healthemotional-support-resources-for-co-workers-and-prov/">Self-Help Mental Health Resources from UNC Health</a> </h3> <p> UNC Health </p> </div> </div> <div class="ctaArticleTilesWrapper"> <div class="ctaArticleTilesItem"> <span>Resource</span> <h3> <a href="https://www.samhsa.gov/resource/dbhis/emergency-responders-tips-taking-care-yourself">Emergency Responders: Tips for Taking Care of Yourself</a> </h3> <p> SAMHSA </p> </div> </div> <div class="ctaArticleTilesWrapper"> <div class="ctaArticleTilesItem"> <span>Resource</span> <h3> <a href="https://www.apa.org/practice/programs/dmhi/research-information/pandemics">Research Information - Pandemics </a> </h3> <p> American Psychological Association </p> </div> </div> <div class="ctaArticleTilesWrapper"> <div class="ctaArticleTilesItem"> <span>Website</span> <h3> <a href="https://wellmd.stanford.edu/">Stanford WellMD</a> </h3> <p> Stanford </p> </div> </div> <div class="ctaArticleTilesWrapper"> <div class="ctaArticleTilesItem"> <span>Article</span> <h3> <a href="https://www.aonl.org/news/resilience-expert-has-tips-for-supporting-employees-mental-health">AONL Resilience Expert Has Tips for Employees’ Mental Health </a> </h3> <p> AONL </p> </div> </div> <div class="ctaArticleTilesWrapper"> <div class="ctaArticleTilesItem"> <span>Video</span> <h3> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIeu1rJQjhs&list=PLlx6E76Mr_sYgVfjeWYb9ktiijznI07Iu&index=7&t=0s">Beyond Resilience: Making a Difference When it Matters Most </a> </h3> <p> AHA </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p><a class="btn btn-primary" href="#bh-nav">TOP ⇫</a></p> </div> <div class="bhi-topics"> <div class="row"> <h3 id="bh-pros">Resources for Behavioral Health Care Providers </h3> <p>Behavioral Health professionals are not immune to stress, anxiety, burnout and depression. These tools and resources address resiliency, strength, overcoming challenges, and supporting mental health professionals in their efforts to deliver services. </p> <p>What behavioral health and physical health integration can improve care for individuals who are inpatients at hospitals.</p> </div> <div class="col-md-4"> <div class="panel module-typeC"> <h5>Featured Resource</h5> <p><span>Case Study</span><br> <a href="/case-studies/2023-03-09-behavioral-health-integration-improves-total-cost-care-university-rochester-medical-center" title="Behavioral Health Integration Improves Total Cost of Care at University of Rochester Medical Center">University of Rochester Medical Center: Behavioral Health Integration Improves Total Cost of Care at University of Rochester Medical Center</a><br> March 2023</p> </div> </div>--> </div> <div class="row"> <div class="col-xs-12"> <div class="ctaArticleTiles rowEqual_768"> <div class="ctaArticleTilesWrapper"> <div class="ctaArticleTilesItem"> <span>Website</span> <h3> <a href="https://www.ptsd.va.gov/appvid/mobile/index.asp">National Center for PTSD </a> </h3> <p> Department of Veterans Affairs </p> </div> </div> <div class="ctaArticleTilesWrapper"> <div class="ctaArticleTilesItem"> <span>Podcast</span> <h3> <a href="/advancing-health-podcast/2019-06-24-reducing-burnout-behavioral-health-providers">Reducing Burnout in Behavioral Health Providers</a> </h3> <p> AHA </p> </div> </div> <div class="ctaArticleTilesWrapper"> <div class="ctaArticleTilesItem"> <span>Resource</span> <h3> <a href="https://www.physiciansupportline.com/">Physician Support Line</a> </h3> <p> Physician Support Line </p> </div> </div> <div class="ctaArticleTilesWrapper"> <div class="ctaArticleTilesItem"> <span>Resource</span> <h3> <a href="https://www.apa.org/practice/programs/dmhi/research-information/pandemics">Research Information - Pandemics </a> </h3> <p> American Psychological Association </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p><a class="btn btn-primary" href="#bh-nav">TOP ⇫</a></p> </div> <div class="bhi-topics"> <div class="row"> <h3 id="public">Resources for the General Public</h3> <p>The tools and resources gathered here are intended to help individuals, parents and children address challenges and manage their well-being. </p> <p>Resources found here focus on the integration of physical and behavioral health care after a patient leaves a hospital. </p> </div> <div class="col-md-4"> <div class="panel module-typeC"> <h5>Featured Resource</h5> <p><span>???</span><br> <a href="/system/files/media/file/2023/10/AHA-BH-MIA-cs-Wellspan-Smart.pdf">???</a><br> October 2023</p> </div> </div>--> </div> <div class="row"> <div class="col-xs-12"> <div class="ctaArticleTiles rowEqual_768"> <div class="ctaArticleTilesWrapper"> <div class="ctaArticleTilesItem"> <span>Resource</span> <h3> <a href="https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/2020/07/how-to-create-your-own-self-care-plan/?mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiTmpJeVlXUm1PVEppTW1JMCIsInQiOiIyNW9xMmZscUNuSWwwTDJxYjVSWWpqSHdWK2JBVERjT2E3UkliYytNRTljTXR3eWx0M0Z6NzJwaVZRMUhuaUhkM0hneG9oM3JrZ2hvcThwYmxPbnJvR3EyeG1hM1NySStYQmtqUThjMVNUY3hScCt6b3NUcklLK0V1VTNQV09NayJ9">How to Create Your Own Self-Care Plan</a> </h3> <p> Mental Health First Aid </p> </div> </div> <div class="ctaArticleTilesWrapper"> <div class="ctaArticleTilesItem"> <span>Resource</span> <h3> <a href="/mental-health-awareness-month">May Is Mental Health Awareness Month </a> </h3> <p> AHA </p> </div> </div> <div class="ctaArticleTilesWrapper"> <div class="ctaArticleTilesItem"> <span>Video</span> <h3> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHv6vTKD6lg&feature=youtu.be">An Experiment in Gratitude | The Science of Happiness</a> </h3> <p> SoulPancake </p> </div> </div> <div class="ctaArticleTilesWrapper"> <div class="ctaArticleTilesItem"> <span>Video Series</span> <h3> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjNwQNphpjvIQQclixFTjLA/featured">Duke’s Bite-sized Well-being Strategies for Cultivating Work-life Balance, Gratitude, Self-compassion and Awe</a> </h3> <p> Duke Center for Healthcare Safety and Quality </p> </div> </div> <div class="ctaArticleTilesWrapper"> <div class="ctaArticleTilesItem"> <span>Podcast</span> <h3> <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/6AXbjhF4shWm8rWWuBZfr9">Disrupting Behavior: strategies to minimize disruptive behavior </a> </h3> <p> Duke Center for Healthcare Safety and Quality </p> </div> </div> <div class="ctaArticleTilesWrapper"> <div class="ctaArticleTilesItem"> <span>Resource</span> <h3> <a href="https://www.cstsonline.org/assets/media/documents/CSTS_FS_Leadership_Communication_Anticipating_Responding_to_Stressful_Events.pdf">Leadership Communication: Anticipating and Responding to Stressful Events </a> </h3> <p> Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress </p> </div> </div> <div class="ctaArticleTilesWrapper"> <div class="ctaArticleTilesItem"> <span>Resource</span> <h3> <a href="https://www.aonl.org/news/psychiatric-np-offers-self-care-tips-for-pandemic-times">Psychiatric NP Offers Self-care Tips for Pandemic Times </a> </h3> <p> AONL </p> </div> </div> <div class="ctaArticleTilesWrapper"> <div class="ctaArticleTilesItem"> <span>Resource</span> <h3> <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/childrenindisasters/helping-children-cope.html" title="Helping Children Cope with Emergencies">Helping Children Cope with Emergencies </a> </h3> <p> CDC </p> </div> </div> <div class="ctaArticleTilesWrapper"> <div class="ctaArticleTilesItem"> <span>Blog</span> <h3> <a href="https://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2024/04/15/workplace-mental-health-resources/">Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace</a> </h3> <p> CDC </p> </div> </div> <div class="ctaArticleTilesWrapper"> <div class="ctaArticleTilesItem"> <span>Toolkit</span> <h3> <a href="https://www.unchealthcare.org/wellbeing/toolkit/toolkit-overview/mental-healthemotional-support-resources-for-co-workers-and-prov/">Self-Help Mental Health Resources from UNC Health</a> </h3> <p> UNC Health </p> </div> </div> <div class="ctaArticleTilesWrapper"> <div class="ctaArticleTilesItem"> <span>Resource</span> <h3> <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/coping/selfcare.asp">Taking Care of Your Emotional Health </a> </h3> <p> CDC </p> </div> </div> <div class="ctaArticleTilesWrapper"> <div class="ctaArticleTilesItem"> <span>Resource</span> <h3> <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/children-and-school-preparedness/before-during-after/index.html">Helping Children Cope Before, During and After An Emergency</a> </h3> <p> CDC </p> </div> </div> <div class="ctaArticleTilesWrapper"> <div class="ctaArticleTilesItem"> <span>Website</span> <h3> <a href="https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/">U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Mental Health</a> </h3> <p> U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p> <a class="btn btn-primary" href="#bh-nav">TOP ⇫</a></p> </div> </div></div> Thu, 03 Apr 2025 13:27:57 -0500 Access to Behavioral Health New behavioral health center offers walk-in mental health services at Lancaster General Hospital /role-hospitals-new-behavioral-health-center-offers-walk-mental-health-services-lancaster-general-hospital <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-9"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-6"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-03/ths-penn-lancaster-behavioral-health-center-700x532.jpg" data-entity-uuid data-entity-type="file" alt="Penn Lancaster. A female counselor holding a clibpoard and pen sits listening to a male patient" width="700" height="532"></p></div><p>People in need of immediate help with mental health issues have a new option for treatment with the opening of the <a href="https://www.lancastergeneralhealth.org/services-and-treatments/behavioral-health" target="_blank">Behavioral Health Center</a> at Lancaster General Hospital. Its Crisis Walk-In Center provides immediate behavioral health assessments and treatment, serving as a bridge to ongoing care.</p><p>The Interventional Psychiatry Program focuses on psychiatric conditions that don't respond well to first-line treatments. The center is expected to serve 900 patients annually for interventional psychiatry and 10,000 patients through the walk-in center, both in-person and by phone.</p><p>Patients visiting the walk-in center are greeted by a certified peer support specialist and connected with a registered nurse for a physical health assessment. If needed, they receive immediate counseling and are referred to the next level of service or scheduled for another appointment.</p><p>The center provides appointments and medication for up to 30 days before referring patients to longer-term services, aiming to reduce the boarding of low-risk behavioral health patients in the emergency department.</p></div></div><div class="col-md-3"><div><h4>Resources on the Role of Hospitals</h4><ul><li><a href="/community-benefit">Benefiting Communities</a></li><li><a href="/roleofhospitals">All Case Studies</a></li></ul></div></div></div></div> Mon, 10 Mar 2025 11:04:32 -0500 Access to Behavioral Health Mental Health Urgent Care opens in Vermont, addressing critical community health need /role-hospitals-uvm-medical-center-mental-health-urgent-care-opens-vermont-addressing-critical-community-health-need <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-9"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-5"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-03/ths-uvm-mental-health-urgent-care-2-700x532.jpg" alt="UVM Medical Center. A female counselor in casual attire sits holding a tablet and listening intently to a female patient" width="700" height="532"></p></div><p>When individuals experience mental health distress, many will visit a hospital emergency department — a setting that may not be ideal for someone experiencing acute mental health illness. To provide a safe alternative to the ED and help people before they experience a mental health crisis, University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington, Vt., and several other organizations worked together to open the <a href="https://www.uvmhealth.org/medcenter/location/mental-health-urgent-care" target="_blank">Mental Health Urgent Care</a> in October 2024.</p><p>Developed by UVM Medical Center, Howard Center, Pathways Vermont, Community Health Centers and the Vermont Department of Mental Health, the Mental Health Urgent Care offers mental health services, peer support and help accessing follow-up services to guests — intentionally called “guests,” not patients or clients. The urgent care team emphasizes it is a calming, welcoming environment for those experiencing trauma or struggling with thoughts of suicide. An onsite nurse also is available to address basic physical health issues.</p><p>People don’t need to have a referral from a provider or make an appointment beforehand to access these services, and currently there are no financial requirements or costs as services are fully funded for three years. The only requirement is that guests must be 18 years or older.</p><p>The collaborating organizations say the Mental Health Urgent Care is a welcome development in addressing a pressing community health need. “When we were thinking through this project, we wanted to build something that somebody could go to when they start to feel a crisis coming on, before they get to the point where they can’t stand it any longer,” said Maureen Leahy, administrative director of UVM Health Network’s psychiatry service.</p><p><a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://www.uvmhealth.org/healthsource/we-dont-want-people-have-jump-through-any-hoops" target="_blank">LEARN MORE</a></p></div></div><div class="col-md-3"><div><h4>Resources on the Role of Hospitals</h4><ul><li><a href="/center/population-health">Improving Health and Wellness</a></li><li><a href="/roleofhospitals">All Case Studies</a></li></ul></div></div></div></div> Mon, 03 Mar 2025 13:40:53 -0600 Access to Behavioral Health Study finds female physicians at higher risk of suicide than nonphysicians  /news/headline/2025-02-27-study-finds-female-physicians-higher-risk-suicide-nonphysicians <p>A <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2830401">study</a> published Feb. 26 by JAMA Psychiatry found that female physicians died by suicide at more than 1.5 times the rate of female nonphysicians from 2017-2021. During the same time, male physicians had a lower suicide risk than male nonphysicians. The study also found that physicians who died by suicide had higher odds of depressed mood and mental health, job and legal problems preceding suicide compared to the general population. <br><br>The AHA has a dedicated <a href="/suicideprevention/health-care-workforce">webpage</a> with resources on preventing suicide in the health care workforce. <br><br> </p> Thu, 27 Feb 2025 15:59:33 -0600 Access to Behavioral Health We Are AHA: Behavioral Health <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-8"><p>Behavioral health providers that are members of the Association add their voice and influence to the nation’s leading advocate for hospitals and health systems. The AHA provides its behavioral health members with valuable benefits, including <strong>advocacy, resources and initiatives designed to improve access to and strengthen the delivery of affordable, high-quality behavioral health care.</strong></p><h2><span>Advocacy</span></h2><p>We are working with Congress and the administration to enact policies to support behavioral health hospitals and service lines, and to solidify a policy environment that protects access to care, advances innovation and invests in behavioral health treatment.</p><h3><span>2024 Results</span></h3><h4><span>Legislation</span></h4><p>The AHA supports the <a href="/2024-11-12-aha-urges-congress-act-key-priorities-lame-duck-session" target="_blank"><strong>extension of Medicare telehealth programs</strong></a><strong> </strong>which have expanded access to care for patients and eliminates originating site restrictions. Congress included a 90-day extension of these flexibilities through March as part of a bill to fund the government passed at the end of 2024.</p><h4><span>Regulatory</span></h4><p>The Drug Enforcement Administration and Department of Health and Human Services responded favorably to the AHA’s request to extend telehealth flexibilities, which <a href="/special-bulletin/2024-11-18-dea-and-hhs-extend-waivers-prescribing-controlled-substances-through-telemedicine" target="_blank"><strong>will waive an in-person visit requirement prior to the prescribing of controlled substances virtually</strong></a> through 2025.</p><h4><span>The Administration</span></h4><ul><li>The Departments of the Treasury, Labor and Health and Human Services issued a final rule in 2024 implementing AHA-supported amendments to existing standards <a href="/special-bulletin/2024-09-10-administration-finalizes-enhanced-mental-health-parity-regulations?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=bh-newsletter&mkt_tok=NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGV8htmojsDNTwbod7zQq2dwKUPGI77ow9r7O2wAfG9sWn_1yy2QnT2LyJgiJg_Sj3aHa80ELdYu_N93tNiBNk2e9_FQgwY5_RnLpuKFb0XRKLTaA" target="_blank"><strong>that will support coverage parity</strong></a>, preventing insurance plans and issuers from placing greater limits on access to mental health and substance use disorder benefits as compared to medical and surgical benefits. </li><li>Following years of advocacy from the AHA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in 2024 finally <a href="/special-bulletin/2024-02-09-hhs-finalizes-changes-information-sharing-requirements-addiction-treatment" target="_blank"><strong>issued</strong></a><strong> modifications of provisions of the law that governs sharing of patient records regarding treatment for substance use disorder</strong>, aligning requirements with those already in effect under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). </li><li>Upon AHA’s <a href="/lettercomment/2024-01-05-aha-comments-cms-proposed-medicare-advantage-policies-2025" target="_blank"><strong>urging</strong></a>, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized provisions to address gaps in access to behavioral health services for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries. </li><li>As a direct result of AHA advocacy, CMS <a href="/news/headline/2024-10-22-cms-releases-final-guidance-hospital-respiratory-data-condition-participation-reporting-requirements" download="file" target="_blank"><strong>updated</strong></a> guidance detailing reporting requirements for the hospital respiratory data collection condition of participation and will allow psychiatric hospitals to report this data annually as opposed to weekly</li></ul><hr><h2><span>Sharing Solutions & Innovations from the Field</span></h2><p>In addition to a daily news bulletin and advocacy alerts on key issues, AHA members receive the <a href="/bibliographylink-page/2017-12-11-behavioral-health-updates" target="_blank"><strong>Behavioral Health News Update</strong></a> – a monthly communication on recent behavioral health advocacy initiatives, resources and educational offerings.</p><p> </p><h4><span>Grant-Supported Work</span></h4><p>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has awarded several grants to the AHA to support work in behavioral health, including a <a href="/suicideprevention/health-care-workforce" target="_blank"><strong>program to address health care worker suicide</strong></a>, and hospital and health system initiatives to address opioid and stimulant use disorder along with infection prevention and control.</p><h4><span>Health Care Worker Well-Being</span></h4><p>A wealth of resources on <a href="/physician-alliance-be-well" target="_blank"><strong>building and sustaining</strong></a> health care worker well-being programs are frequently being updated and shared with the field including <a href="/be-well-case-studies" target="_blank"><strong>case studies</strong></a> and podcasts. Information on a health system’s <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qU1dwaAzh1E" target="_blank"><strong>peer support program</strong></a> and commentary on the importance of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahEZfOS-4mk" target="_blank"><strong>stigma reduction</strong></a>among health care workers suffering from mental health challenges are among content recently released to the field.</p><p><span>AHA’s website for Behavioral Health is regularly updated with information and resources. These include:</span></p><ul><li><a href="/aha-search?search_api_fulltext=behavioral%20health&f%5B0%5D=type%3A5705" target="_blank"><strong>Podcasts </strong></a>featuring conversations with behavioral health professionals on innovations and solutions to challenges. </li><li><a href="/system/files/media/file/2024/12/integrating-physical-behavioral-resources-2024%20final.pdf" target="_blank"><strong>Insights on integrating behavioral health</strong></a> with physical care, including a new <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xv7-sxVKmzU" target="_blank"><strong>educational video</strong></a> aimed at trustees. </li><li>Best practices to <a href="/behavioral-health-community-partnerships" target="_blank"><strong>improve access to behavioral health care through community partnerships</strong></a>. Resources include an assessment checklist and an evidence-informed summary of effective partnerships. </li><li>Centralized resources to address the challenges of<a href="/child-and-adolescent-mental-health" target="_blank"><strong>youth</strong></a> and <a href="/maternal-mental-health" target="_blank"><strong>maternal</strong></a> behavioral health service delivery. </li><li>AHA’s <a href="/people-matter-words-matter" target="_blank"><strong>People Matter, Words Matter</strong></a> initiative – helping to reduce the stigma of mental health and addiction conditions and treatment, one word, one person at a time. </li><li>An AHA members-only <a href="https://membercommunity.aha.org/communities/community-home?CommunityKey=d8e79990-e8f4-4402-9239-e511752bab7b" target="_blank"><strong>professional online network</strong></a> for behavioral health leaders. </li><li>Curated resources to enhance your organization’s participation in <a href="/mental-health-awareness-month" target="_blank"><strong>Mental Health Awareness Month.</strong></a></li></ul><p> </p></div><div class="col-md-4"><p><a href="/system/files/media/file/2025/02/2025_WeareAHA_Behavioral_Health_Final.pdf" target="_blank"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-02/weareaha-bh-2025-cover.png" data-entity-uuid data-entity-type="file" alt="We are AHA Behavioral Health Cover." width="691" height="893"></a></p></div></div></div> Wed, 26 Feb 2025 12:20:53 -0600 Access to Behavioral Health Shodair Children’s Hospital launches Hope Campaign /role-hospitals-shodair-childrens-hospital-launches-hope-campaign <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-9"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-6"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-02/ths-shodair-hope-700x532.jpg" data-entity-uuid data-entity-type="file" alt="Shodair Children's Hope Campaign ad features a young girl smiling in a field of tall grass" width="700" height="532"></p></div><p>Shodair Children’s Hospital in Helena, Mont., has launched the Hope Campaign to reduce stigma and encourage conversations about youth mental health. Montana has the highest suicide rate in the nation among kids aged 10 to 14 and continues to face significant youth mental health challenges. Shodair is unique as the only Montana hospital in the Children’s Miracle Hospital Network and the sole psychiatric hospital among the network’s 175 hospitals in the U.S. and Canada.</p><p>The Hope Campaign seeks to raise funds to support treatments not covered by insurance. A key feature of the campaign is a children's book that tells a relatable story about animals in Montana's ecosystem, designed to help children discuss mental health and their feelings. The book, which will be distributed for free across the state, invites the public to support the initiative.</p><p>“We are trying to bring more awareness to what we’re doing here, the lives we continue to save, and reach out to kids and their families. I want to make them aware that this is a safe place to bring their kid to heal,” said hospital CEO Craig Aasved.</p><p><a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://www.ktvh.com/news/shodair-childrens-hospital-launches-hope-campaign">LEARN MORE</a></p></div></div><div class="col-md-3"><div><h4>Resources on the Role of Hospitals</h4><ul><li><a href="/community-benefit">Benefiting Communities</a></li><li><a href="/roleofhospitals">All Case Studies</a></li></ul></div></div></div></div> Tue, 18 Feb 2025 13:21:36 -0600 Access to Behavioral Health House bill would reauthorize Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act /news/headline/2025-02-05-house-bill-would-reauthorize-dr-lorna-breen-health-care-provider-protection-act <p>The AHA voiced support for bipartisan House <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/929/cosponsors?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22H.R.+929%22%7D&s=2&r=1&overview=closed#tabs" target="_blank">legislation</a> introduced Feb. 4 to reauthorize for five years the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act, which provides grants to help health care organizations offer behavioral health services for front-line health care workers. Introduced by Reps. Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., Jennifer Kiggans, R-Va., Jennifer McClellan, D-Va., Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa, and Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., the bill also would reauthorize a <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/healthcare/impactwellbeing/index.html" target="_blank">national campaign</a> that provides hospital leaders with evidence-based solutions to support worker well-being. The <a href="/news/headline/2025-01-29-senate-introduces-bill-reauthorizing-dr-lorna-breen-health-care-provider-protection-act?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=aha-today" target="_blank">Senate version</a> of the bill was introduced Jan. 28.</p> Wed, 05 Feb 2025 14:25:08 -0600 Access to Behavioral Health Senate introduces bill reauthorizing Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act /news/headline/2025-01-29-senate-introduces-bill-reauthorizing-dr-lorna-breen-health-care-provider-protection-act <p>The AHA Jan. 28 voiced support for bipartisan <a href="https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-young-reed-and-marshall-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-support-mental-health-resources-for-health-care-providers">legislation</a> to reauthorize for five years the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act, which provides grants to help health care organizations offer behavioral health services for front-line health care workers. Introduced yesterday by Sens. Tim Kaine, D-Va., Roger Marshall, R-Kan., Jack Reed, D-R.I., and Todd Young, R-Ind., the bill also would reauthorize a national <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/healthcare/impactwellbeing/index.html">campaign</a> that provides hospital leaders with evidence-based solutions to support worker well-being. </p> Wed, 29 Jan 2025 15:34:41 -0600 Access to Behavioral Health