Friday, September 29, 2023
Good morning,
Here's the latest from the AHCCCS Office of Individual and Family Affairs (OIFA).
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IDD and 18, Now What?, Future Planning Resources - The...

Trying to determine whether to pursue legal guardianship of loved one can be one of the most difficult decisions families and caregivers may have to make in the

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arcarizona.org
Sensory Challenges After Brain Injury | BIAAZ

Sensory processing refers to how the brain takes in and processes sensory information. Often, after a brain injury, sensory processing patterns change.

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biaaz.org
Flagstaff Community Town Hall on "Equity for All Arizonans"

Participants will discuss equitable access to resources, including healthcare, as part of the Arizona Town Hall 2023 focus, Equity for All Arizonans. Registration is FREE for both in-person and online participation.

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aztownhall.org
Peer Support for People in Recovery

Peer support is crucial for people at every stage of their recovery journey. During the final week of National Recovery Month (September 25-30), we highlight the importance of peer support and peer support services in guiding individuals,...

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mailchi.mp
Spanish Translation: SAMHSA's National Model Standards for..

Modelo nacional de normas para la certificación de apoyo entre pares El documento guía de modelo de normas de SAMHSA titulado, Modelo nacional de normas para la certificación de apoyo entre pares, ha sido preparado como respuesta a la agenda de...

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store.samhsa.gov
Biden-Harris Administration Awards More than $230...

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), recently awarded $232.2 million in grants for suicide prevention and behavioral health care for at-risk...

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www.samhsa.gov
2023 Arizona & Mexico Town Hall

Back by popular demand: Arizona Town Hall will be hosting its fourth Arizona & Mexico Town Hall in Hermosillo, Sonora.

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aztownhall.org
Tempe Community Council Job Opportunities
This position is responsible for coordinating, developing and all operational aspects of the IRS VITA grant under the supervision of TCC staff. The Program Coordinator works with the Tax Site Coordinator to ensure that the program is fully staffed by trained and certified volunteers and is set up and operational for the time established by TCC. This position is also responsible for a variety of duties pertaining to the physical needs of the space, prepares required reports and helps to coordinate site hours and appointments.
This position is providing coordination, organization, and supervision for all aspects of the IRS VITA site operation. The Site Coordinator works with the Program Coordinator to ensure that the program is fully staffed by trained and certified volunteers and is set up and operational for the time established by TCC.
NAMI Valley of the Sun Newsletter



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mailchi.mp
AHCCCS Explains
AHCCCS Explains... Health-e-Arizona Plus!

Learn more about Health-e-Arizona Plus and how to update your contact information using the online platorm at www.healthearizonaplus.gov.

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www.youtube.com
ADVOCACY
Your Voice Matters!
AHCCCS provides up to a 45-day public comment period prior to publishing AHCCCS Contractor Operations Manual (ACOM) and AHCCCS Medical Policy Manual (AMPM) policies that have a substantial change. Should an expedited time period be required, the expedited time period will not be less than two weeks. Tribal members, stakeholders, and the general public are able to review and submit comments regarding changes being presented. Click the link below if you would like to review any policies currently posted for AHCCCS Public Comment.
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

24 Hour Statewide Suicide and Crisis Line

1-844-534-4673 (HOPE)

Suicide and Crisis Hotlines by County

Maricopa, Pinal and Gila counties served by Mercy Care:
  • 1-800-631-1314 or 602-222-9444

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

Apache, Coconino, Mohave, Navajo and Yavapai Counties served by Care1st Health Plan:
  • 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:
  • 1-844-423-8759
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

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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 ....

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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.
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...

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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...

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www.beneaththebrave.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...

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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 ...

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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 [email protected] 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: [email protected]
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 ...

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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.

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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.

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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

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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...

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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:  [email protected]
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 [email protected]; 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 [email protected]Please include the words "Constant Contact" in the subject line. Not all submitted content will be published.
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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.