Friday, October 20, 2023
Good morning,
Here's the latest from the AHCCCS Office of Individual and Family Affairs (OIFA).
 AHCCCS Seeks Survey Response from ALTCS Members and Families
The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) and the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) are conducting two surveys of members enrolled in the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) and their families. Both surveys ask questions about whether members and families feel safe and protected from abuse and neglect
The two surveys - one for ALTCS members and one for ALTCS family members - are open through November 17, 2023. 

All responses are entirely anonymous and confidential. Individual answers will not be shared.
The results of these member and family surveys will inform the second evaluation of the State’s progress to protect vulnerable adults. The surveys, and the evaluation, are conducted by the University of Arizona’s Sonoran Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities.
These surveys are a follow-up to the 2019 survey by the State’s Abuse and Neglect Prevention Task Force, which made recommendations regarding abuse and neglect prevention across State systems, including AHCCCS, DES, and the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS). As a result of their recommendations, Arizona launched SpeakUpAZ.org to raise awareness about how everyone can help protect vulnerable Arizonans from abuse and neglect.  
Please share these survey links and QR codes with anyone who would be interested in completing the surveys.
Member Survey
Member's Family Survey
CONTACT: PIO@azahcccs.gov
The Power of Collaboration and Advocacy for Individuals...

AHCCCS Office of Human Rights webinar: The Power of Collaboration and Advocacy for Individuals Living with a Serious Mental Illness. Oct 26, 2023 01:00 PM

Read more
ahcccs.zoom.us
I am supporting a Stigma Free AZ

Stigma, both self-directed and from others, is the negative attitudes and behaviors toward people experiencing mental health issues and substance use disorders. Stigma prevents people from getting the help they need. Over 50% of people...

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www.azblue.com
CLICK BELOW TO SEE LAST FRIDAY'S EDITION
CLICK OR SCAN THE CODE TO SUBSCRIBE!
Project FUTRE

Behavioral Health Paraprofessional (BHPP) Education and Apprenticeship Program Click "Apply Now" below to apply for Cohort 6. Note: All classroom training activities will be conducted remotely via Zoom. Experiential shadowing (if in-person) will...

Read more
www.fcm.arizona.edu
News from MHA National: October 2023

MHA, ASTHO, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and CLASP released a framework for public health leaders with strategies to improve mental health and prevent suicide for all.

Read more
mhanational.salsalabs.org
Headlines: Domestic Violence Month - Resources and Events

October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Because domestic violence survivors are at higher risk for depression, anxiety, substance misuse disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicide attempts, SAMHSA is committed to raising...

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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.

Read more
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

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.
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...

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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...

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.
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