September 14, 2004

A Work Very Much In Progress

MMHAG Weblog Update: September 13, 2004

At latest count, 293 names are listed on Work Group, Action Team, Consumer Forum, and Steering Committee rosters so far!

WORK GROUPS
Statewide Funding and Payment Model
The Statewide Funding and Payment Model Work Group has developed a draft document which describes the purpose, policy objectives and key characteristics of a statewide mental health funding and payment model [online]. This document will be discussed at the next meetings of the MMHAG Fiscal Workgroup and the Steering Committee. The Work Group is beginning to evaluate specific payment models against these agreed-upon criteria.

Earlier Intervention/Secondary Prevention
Watch for summaries from the six Work Groups borne of the Earlier Intervention/Secondary Prevention Action Team, to be posted yet this week.

An Active Scene
Most Work Groups are in progress by now, at varying stages. The Model Benefit Set group, as you may know, has completed its work [see July 7, 2004 weblog entry] while many have just convened their first meeting. Here's a sampling of recent gathering:

WORK GROUP
- Public Education, Training, and Support: Met Wednesday, August 25
- Preschool Mental Health Screening: Met Wednesday, August 25 and Wednesday, September 8
- Co-Morbidities Screening: Met Friday, August 27 and Friday, September 10
- Statewide Payment Model: Met Tuesday, August 31
- Integrating Pathways for CMH in the Schools: Met Tuesday, August 31
- Performance/Measurement: Met Thursday, September 2
- Older Adults Screening: Met Wednesday, September 8
- Public Education, Training, and Support: Met Wednesday, September 8

We will continue to post summaries of additional Work Group meetings on an ongoing basis as they become available.

Finding the Best Approach for Results
Different approaches serve different goals. Some of the points of focus identified by the Work Force Solutions Action Team and the Regional Treatment Centers Work Group may best be pursued through coordination of existing groups (a fundamental goal of MMHAG where possible) or through the leadership of state agencies in lieu of formal Work Groups.

RECENT EVENTS
- Another Consumer Forum meeting was just held on September 8th. Watch for a summary of their progress to post shortly.

DATES TO WATCH
- The Steering Committee meets again on September 16th.
- Kevin Goodno, Commissioner of the Department of Human Services, and former Citizens League Board Chair Gary Cunningham will be presenting at the MACMHC annual conference on September 30th. Posted by Will Goldstein at September 14, 2004 11:41 AM