Friday, September 23, 2022
Good morning,
Here's the latest from the AHCCCS Office of Individual and Family Affairs (OIFA).
AHCCCS Director to Leave Position at End of Year
Jami Snyder, director of AHCCCS, has announced her intention to leave her position at the end of 2022. Snyder has served as the agency’s director since 2019.

“I have been incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to serve in a leadership role for one of the most respected Medicaid programs in the country,” Snyder said. “Spearheading the work of a state agency that impacts the lives of almost 2.5 million Arizonans has been demanding, exciting, and immensely rewarding.”

Snyder was appointed by Governor Doug Ducey on Jan. 5, 2019 after having served as AHCCCS deputy director, and director of Texas’ Medicaid program prior to that.

“I’m deeply grateful to have had Jami Snyder’s talent, acumen, and compassion at the head of AHCCCS over the last four years," said Governor Ducey. "Under her leadership, AHCCCS navigated an unprecedented health care pandemic, expanded Arizona students’ access to behavioral health services, and moved 80 percent of the AHCCCS workforce to full-time remote work, saving taxpayers $1.2 million. She has navigated extremely complicated health care issues during her tenure, always with a focus on the best interest of the Arizonans she serves. The state thanks her for all she has done for its citizens and her dedicated leadership.”

AHCCCS Tribal Liaison Position Opens
Tribal Liaison - REMOTE OPTIONS, Arizona, United States...

The Division of Community Advocacy and Intergovernmental Relations (DCAIR) is looking for a highly motivated individual to join our team as a Tribal Liaison. This position serves as the tribal liaison between AHCCCS....

Read more
www.azstatejobs.gov
Building Partnerships Community Policy Workgroup
Join NAMI Arizona and AHCCCS OIFA for the Monthly Community Policy meeting Monday, September 26, 2022 at Noon.

Meetings are facilitated monthly and provide the opportunity to learn about the AHCCCS Tribal Consultation/Public Comment process on AHCCCS Policy Review, open discussions and how to provide direct input into AHCCCS policies that are "Open for Comment."

Meetings are held virtually on the 4th Monday of every month at noon.
Don't forget to register prior to the meeting.

This month's meeting will be covering AMPM 310-B, Title XIX Behavioral Health Services.
Click here to view the Getting Prepared for Community Policy Meeting Participation.
After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
CLICK BELOW TO SEE LAST FRIDAY'S EDITION
CLICK OR SCAN THE CODE TO SUBSCRIBE!
Kristina Sabetta hired as APFC's 1st Executive Director

The APFC board is very proud and excited to announce Kristina Sabetta as our Executive Director! Kristina has been involved with the APFC as a former Board Director and Co-Chair of the Advocacy Committee.

Read more
mailchi.mp
NAMI VOS: Offerings for September

Applications for NAMI's young adult advisory group, NAMI Next Gen, are now open until Sept. 30, 2022. NAMI Next Gen is an advisory group made up of a diverse group of 10 young adults aged 18-25 with the sole intention of helping youth and young...

Read more
mailchi.mp
Office Hours

Hosted by the National Family Support Technical Assistance Center, “Office Hours” are a virtual learning space where executive directors and family leaders meet with a subject matter expert.

Read more
www.eventbrite.com
10 Young People Changing Their Communities For Mental Health

This year's cohort is working to address mental health across many areas including education, housing, foster care, addiction recovery, and state-level policy. YMHLC members will contribute to MHA's annual Young People's Mental Health Report and...

Read more
mhanational.salsalabs.org
Creative Ways to Sustain Lived Experience with Barb...

Family Leaders, Executive Directors, Family Peer Specialists, Managers, Policy Makers who support Family-runs and family voice. This preconference session will show how to create a ladder for lived experience that expands across all roles, family ...

Read more
www.eventbrite.com
I Don't Know How to Navigate My Child's Worries About...

As we continue to evolve with an ever-changing world, mental health challenges have become more prominent than ever. In this "I Don't Know How" Series presented by the Center for Resilient Families at Arizona State University & Mental Health...

Read more
mhanational.org
Conquering Recovery: Recovery is Lonely

Recovery is a lifelong process that can pose new challenges at different stages. Whether recovering from anxiety, depression, an eating disorder, PTSD, substance use, or other mental health conditions, roadblocks are bound to come up. A challenge ...

Read more
mhanational-org.zoom.us
Introduction to Motivational Interviewing

Eventbrite - Motivational Interviewing Learning Exchange, LLC presents Introduction to Motivational Interviewing - Friday, November 18, 2022 at Arizona State University School of Social Work-Tucson Campus, Tucson, AZ. Find event and ticket...

Read more
www.eventbrite.com
2022 Conference | National Federation of Families

The only national conference dedicated solely to supporting families whose children - of any age - experience mental health and or substance use challenges during their lifetime.

Read more
www.ffcmh.org
AHCCCS Explains:
The End of the Public Health Emergency
AHCCCS Explains... the End of the Public Health Emergency

In this episode of AHCCCS Explains, we are joined by Kristen, AHCCCS' Deputy Director of Business Operations, to explain what AHCCCS members should know abou...

Read more
www.youtube.com
ADVOCACY
Your Voice Matters!
AHCCCS provides a 45-day public comment and tribal consultation period before publishing any substantial policy changes. Tribal and ITU leaders are able to submit written testimony regarding changes that are being presented. The general public are able to review and submit comments regarding changes that are being presented. Click the link below to visit the AHCCS Tribal Consultation Notification and Public Comment web page and see what policies are open for comment.
Policies Opening This Week
RESOURCES
CRISIS & WARM LINES
NATIONAL CRISIS HOTLINES
National 24-Hour Crisis Hotlines

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
  • 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

National Substance Use and Disorder Issues Referral and Treatment Hotline:
  • 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

Text the word "HOME" to 741741
ARIZONA CRISIS HOTLINES
Suicide and Crisis Hotlines by County

Maricopa County served by Mercy Care:
  • 1-800-631-1314 or 602-222-9444

Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz and Yuma Counties served by Arizona Complete Health - Complete Care Plan:
  • 1-866-495-6735

Apache, Coconino, Gila, Mohave, Navajo and Yavapai Counties served by Health Choice Arizona:
  • 1-877-756-4090

Gila River and Ak-Chin Indian Communities:
  • 1-800-259-3449

Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community:
  • 1-855-331-6432

Tohono O'odham Nation:
  • 1-844-423-875
ARIZONA WARM LINES FOR PEERS
Warm Lines are free and confidential telephone services staffed by peers who have, themselves, dealt with behavioral health challenges. Peer support specialists can relate to behavioral health situations because many have been through similar experiences. Peers offer peer support and compassion for callers who just need someone to talk with.
Central Arizona
Crisis Response Network Warm Line (peer to peer):  602-347-1100
  • 10 am -10 pm, 7 days a week
(some hold time when at high volume)
Northern Arizona
NAZCARE Warm Line (peer to peer):  1-888-404-5530
  • 4 pm - 10:30 pm, Monday - Thursday
  • 3 pm - 10:30 pm, Friday - Sunday
(recorded message asks for name and number and staff will return call)
Southern Arizona
HOPE, Inc Warm Line (peer to peer) for Pima County:  520-770-9909
All other Southern AZ Counties:  844-733-9912
  • 8 am -10 pm, 7 days a week 
(recorded message: can hold or leave a Voice Message requesting call back
ARIZONA WARM LINES FOR FAMILIES
Warm Lines are free and confidential telephone services staffed by family support partners who support family members that deal with behavioral health challenges.The support service provides free guidance and connects people to resources for helping deal with job loss, insurance, heightened anxiety and much more. FIC is urging any who feels overwhelmed due to life’s current challenges to call:
Statewide in Arizona
  • Family Involvement Center (FIC) Warm Line:  877-568-8468
  • 8am – 6pm M-F (weekdays)
  • 8am – Noon S-S (weekends)
Drug And Alcohol Abuse Hotline Numbers
Drug & Alcohol Abuse Hotlines | Addiction Hotlines |...

If you or a loved one are struggling with an addiction, calling the right hotline number can be the first step to seeking help. The brave decision to get help may be difficult, but it can be life-changing. The person you speak with on

Read more
www.addictionresource.net
PROVIDER RESOURCES
Where Collaboration Happens
Collective Resource Hub is a directory for youth-serving professionals in our community to find professional development opportunities, events, resources, partnership opportunities, and more. Our hope is that these resources will allow you and your organization to better serve the adolescents you work with.
Collective Resource Hub provides access to:
  • Webinars
  • Training Materials
  • Best Practices
  • Tool Kits
  • Research
  • Partners, and more.
Copa Health Information & Resources - A FREE Service!
Call Andy Arnowitz, Copa Health Information and Resources Coordinator.
No matter your need, Andy is committed to solve problems or point you in the right direction!
Information & Resources for: Mental Health Support Groups / Crisis Lines / Petitioning (Involuntary Commitment / Therapists / Seriously Mentally Ill (SMI) / AHCCCS (Medicaid),
AND MORE!
Andy can be reached at 480-994-4407, Monday through Friday, 9 am - 4 pm
Substance Abuse Treatment in Arizona, AZ

Addicted.org has access to a database of over 4000 outpatient, detox, residential, and even no-cost drugs and alcohol centers in North America and one of them would fit your needs. Our trained counselors will conduct general assessments ....

Read more
www.addicted.org
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Adventure Resource Solutions
System Navigation & Community Resources
Website: www.ars411.org
Main Telephone: 623-866-5733
  • Are you living with SMI Diagnosis, or supporting someone who does?
  • Do you experience issues with connecting with your clinic or support team?
  • Do you want to be a leading example of what it takes to improve our systems?
If you are saying “ Yes “ to all of these questions please CLICK HERE
READ MORE about the resources we have to offer.
West Valley Human Services Alliance
Networking, Serving and Capacity Building
The West Valley Human Services Alliance is a collaboration of families, governments, nonprofits, businesses, and faith-based and community organizations committed to the wellbeing of West Valley residents.
  • All meetings are open to the public. We encourage you to attend and get involved with building on the strengths of the West Valley.
  • Providing the best possible service to the individuals and families in your care often depends upon your own social capital and your willingness to partner.
  • Calling the broad community to specific issues facing the impoverished and vulnerable in our community builds capacity to serve.
MHA's I Am Not Alone

Community - Here you will find a listing of community support groups including peer support groups, AA groups, and more. Activities - Here you will find a listing of community activities including cooking classes, karaoke meetings, virtual yoga...

Read more
iamnotalone.mhanational.org
Beneath the Brave
Mental Health | Beneath The Brave | Phoenix

WE ARE IN THIS THING TOGETHER... Amplify your life by normalizing conversations about mental health. ERIN CALLINAN, MSW Consultant, Speaker, Author Founder of Beneath The Brave Erin Callinan, MSW is a nationally recognized speaker who provides...

Read more
www.beneaththebrave.com
AZ Family-Run and Peer-Run Resources

When you need behavioral health services, use our resource directory to find what best fits your needs throughout Arizona.

Read more
azpeerandfamilyresources.com
Together AZ

Our mission is to help as many people as possible recover from substance abuse addiction and other behavioral health issues. Through our vast network of quality treatment providers, mental health facilities, sober...

Read more
togetheraz.com
MORE ADVOCACY OPPORTUNITIES
Member and Family Advocacy Council (MFAC)

Please see descriptions of our councils and involvement opportunities below: Agency Member and Family Advisory Councils Focus- Agency and Provider concerns Member and Family Advocacy Councils Focus- Community Concerns Member and Family Governance ...

Read more
www.azcompletehealth.com
Blue Cross Blue Shield of AZ/Health Choice is looking for peer, member and family voice on our committees. We have multiple committee where lived experience can play a crucial role in discussions about service delivery, barriers, successes and suggestion for future changes. If you or someone you know are interested in learning more about the BCBSAZ HC, please email oifa@azblue.com for more information.
UnitedHealthcare is currently recruiting for our Member Advocacy Council (MAC)!
Our UnitedHealthcare Community Plan (UHCCP) Member Advocacy Council (MAC) offers a safe place for members and their loved ones, community stakeholders and providers the opportunity to ensure their voices are heard at all levels of UHCCP.  

The goal of the UHCCP MAC is to gather firsthand experiences from our MAC members to create positive change in our healthcare system. We encourage community advocacy by updating our MAC members on UHCCP internal committees and creating opportunities for our MAC to attend both internal and external council meetings. We share what we learn from one another and take the information back to our leadership of UnitedHealthcare Community Plan. 

Your voice and experience can help to create positive changes.
If you are interested and are a UHCCP member, community stakeholder or contracted provider please reach out today for more information. 

You can email our group email box at: Advocate.OIFA@uhc.com
Request to Speak System

Weigh in on bills from the comfort of your couch! Arizona's Request to Speak (RTS) is an online tool that lets everyday citizens give Arizona state lawmakers our feedback on bills. It's an easy way to get involved in state politics, stay informed ...

Read more
www.cebv.us
FIND SUPPORT
Support Groups

The NAMI Peer Recovery Connection Support Groups are facilitated by adults who live with Mental Illness. NAMI Family Support Groups are open to all adults who have a family member or friend who is living with mental illness, regardless of diagnosis.

Read more
namivalleyofthesun.org
Support Groups (Free)

The groups are located throughout the greater Phoenix metropolitan area (Maricopa County). If this is your first time attending a group or for more information, please call Andy Arnowitz (Peer Support Group Coordinator) at 480-994-4407.

Read more
mentalhealthaz.org
Home - Schizophrenia & Psychosis Action Alliance

We are a Global Impact Organization Moving Individuals, Families, and Policies Forward to Improve and Save Lives For people living with schizophrenia and psychosis, every day without treatment can mean the difference between life and death

Read more
sczaction.org
Family Involvement Center - Parenting Resources

FIC is a family-run, nonprofit organization where more than 51% of our Board of Directors are parents with lived experience navigating child-serving systems. Also, most FIC staff members have direct experience parenting children...

Read more
www.familyinvolvementcenter...
ONGOING TRAININGS
ARIZONA TRAUMA INSTITUTE
Arizona Trauma Institute works with professionals, companies, and organizations to provide training in trauma sensitive care. We provide courses for individuals who wish to improve the treatment they provide to their patients, as well as consulting and training to large corporations who want to provide instruction in Trauma Sensitivity to their employees.

Arizona Trauma Institute is approved by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) to grant Continuing Education credit for live workshops.
ACEP number is 6677.
M.I. LEARNING EXCHANGE, LLC
Motivational Interviewing (MI) began in the 1980s when it was discovered that it was the worker’s style that mattered most in helping people make changes. Since that time, it has become an industry standard for evidence- based practices.  Motivational Interviewing Learning Exchange, LLC provides organizations, groups and individuals customized MI training, coaching and implementation that is adapted specifically for workplace needs.
We also provide introductory training for beginners and intermediate training that has approved by the Arizona Psychological Association for Continuing Education for 3 and 10 credit hours. READ MORE

Contact Mary Dillon, MA of Motivational Interviewing Learning Exchange, LLC to learn more about how MI can be trained and used at your workplace at:  mdillon@milearningex.com
Thanks for all your support.
Have a great weekend!

-AHCCCS OIFA Team
Visit our webpage http://www.azahcccs.gov/OIFA
WANT TO RECEIVE THIS NEWSLETTER AND OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM AHCCCS OIFA?
ABOUT AHCCCS
Founded in 1982, the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS, pronounced "access") serves 1.9 million individuals and families in Arizona who meet qualifications for federal Medicaid healthcare coverage. Built on a system of competition and choice, AHCCCS is a $14 billion program that operates a mandatory managed care system through an 1115 Research and Demonstration Waiver. Contracted health plans coordinate and pay for medical services delivered by more than 80,000 healthcare providers.
  • Mission: Reaching across Arizona to provide comprehensive, quality health care to those in need.
  • Vision: Shaping tomorrow's managed care...from today's experience, quality and innovation.
  • Values: Passion, Community, Quality, Respect, Accountability, Innovation, Teamwork, Leadership
  • Credo: Our first care is your health care.
ABOUT OIFA
The Office of Individual and Family Affairs (OIFA) was created in 2007 at the Arizona Department of Health Services/Division of Behavioral Health Services and became part of AHCCCS in 2016. OIFA promotes recovery, resiliency, and wellness for individuals and families with mental health and substance use challenges. Together with our Contractor counterparts, we collaborate with key leadership, stakeholders and community members in the decision making process at all levels of the behavioral health system. Our primary areas of focus are: Peer/Recovery Support, Family Support, Foster Families and community engagement.
AHCCCS MEMBER RESOURCES
Applying for coverage? Need to report a change of address or income?
CLICK HERE to get help with these and learn more about the AHCCCS programs.
ACCESSING BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES
Are you or someone you know looking for help with mental health and/or substance use disorders?
CLICK HERE to see a flow-chart of how that process works.
AHCCCS HEALTH PLAN AND PROVIDER RESOURCES
Looking for a policy or contract? Want to become a new provider?
CLICK HERE to learn more about participating in the AHCCCS programs.
AHCCCS OIFA wants to hear from you!
Tell us what issues are most important to you.
FILL OUT THE FORM and email it to OIFA@azahcccs.gov; or DOWNLOAD a copy and mail it to: AHCCCS OIFA 701 E. Jefferson, MD 9000, Phoenix, AZ 85034. You may remain anonymous.
Have something to share?
We're always looking for more news and resources.
Newsletters are published every Friday morning. Please submit any content you wish to share in an upcoming newsletter no later than noon on Thursdays. You can submit content to OIFA@azahcccs.govPlease include the words "Constant Contact" in the subject line. Not all submitted content will be published.
Want more of the latest news from AHCCCS?
Subscribe to our other newsletters!
AHCCCS publishes a wide variety of newsletters from different divisions and offices. VISIT THE AHCCCS WEBSITE and sign up. You may unsubscribe at any time.