1. VHA/State of Texas Mental Health Collaborations Transformation Through Inter-Agency Collaborations Kathryn J. Kotrla, M.D., Dave Wanser, Ph.D., Dave Wanser, Ph.D., March 9, 2006

2. Secretary’s Task Force on Mental Health: March, 2004 Availability of and Access to Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services for Veterans: A Review and Recommendations Report to the Secretary –Incarcerated veterans –Homeless veterans –SMI and/or SA –Aging

3. Acting Under Secretary for Health: November, 2004 “…to insure coordination with state and local Mental Health, Substance Use and Aging organizations to maximize effectiveness of care and utilization of resources.” State Liaison Positions

4. The Comprehensive VHA MH Strategic Plan: December 8,2005 Targets every VA relevant President’s New Freedom Commission recommendation Assigns responsibility and measurement of implementation

5. Vision To provide optimal, appropriate care for individuals with mental illness and their families To prepare for the individual, familial, and societal impacts of OIF/OEF

6. Overlapping Agendas VA –Communication with public mental health system –Communication with criminal justice system Jail Diversion Incarcerated vets –Concern with OIF/OEF DoD –Concern with care transition for OIF/OEF –Concern for reservists and National Guard –Concern for OIF/OEF Spouses/Children

7. VA – DSHS Projects Collaborations on PTSD treatment and prevention, suicide prevention, etc. Sharing a family based framework for addressing MH needs of returning veterans Incarcerated Veterans and Jail Diversion Optimizing use of telemedicine Collaboration on planning for Waco VA Center of Excellence Homeless Vets OIF/OEF Formal involvement of VA in State MH/SA Planning Process Shared applications for funding Formalizing agreements in MOU

8. Peer Support DBSA Peer Support Training 3 VAs (Dallas, Central Texas, San Antonio) 3 MHMRs (HOTMHMR, Tarrant County, San Antonio) 30 Participants All 24 consumer have taken certification exam Seeded peer support services in VA and MHMR across several communities

9. Local Collaboration Example: NAMI Waco Independence Center NAMI Waco, Private Hospital, VA, and MHMRA conceived Consumer operated drop-in center MHMRA provides site and budget; VA provides staff back up and peer support expertise 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 30-40 participants/day Recreation, games, support groups, gardening, computer lab, job club

10. Summary Focus on Recovery Collaboration between VA/State/DoD/Consumers/Families Proactive intervention for OIF/OEF vets and their families