Washington County System Review Project Overview Undertaken by the Office of Mental Health and Mental Retardation In partnership with Allegheny HealthChoices, Inc. August 19, 2009

Project Focus What does the County want from the system (including itself)? Timely and easy access to services Increased stakeholder involvement in programs and planning Greater support for families and consumers Outcome information on service quality and effectiveness Increased accountability throughout all levels of the system, including better use of data Increased use of evidenced based and promising practices

Why do this now? Fundamental changes brought about by the closure of Mayview State Hospital Increasing financial pressure on systems Increased knowledge of best practices and their effectiveness – need to do what works Increased expectation for accountability by key stakeholders We always want to do better

Key principles driving process Increase integration of recovery and resiliency throughout system Increase integration and access to service – examine single point of access and single point of accountability Decision-making should be data driven Staff development is key and staff empowerment is important

What is the scope? Mental health programs for adults Mental health programs for children and adolescents Mental retardation program operations County internal administrative functions including fiscal operations, information systems, data collection and reporting, and contracting processes

Who will be involved? Consumers Providers Families Advocates Providers across systems (in/out of behavioral health) Managed Care Company County staff from behavioral health and other county human service systems

What is involved? Talking to stakeholders using interviews or focus groups Reviewing documents Conducting data analysis Understanding how providers interact with one another and they people they serve – require interviewing various staff within provider community

Ways for continual input/advice Project Advisory Committee Ongoing meetings with staff Briefings of the MH/MR Advisory Board Will attend other scheduled meetings as invited

By the way….Who or What is AHCI? Allegheny HealthChoices, Inc (AHCI) is a non profit organization founded by Allegheny County to oversee its HealthChoices program AHCI has expanded its work to include assistance in project management (Mayview closure), system evaluation and planning, technical assistance and training Have a diverse staff with varied backgrounds

How to contact us Mary Fleming at mfleming@ahci.org Matt Koren at mkoren@ahci.org (project manager) Check out our website: www.ahci.org Phone: 412-325-1100