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CLMHD Hosts Fall Full Membership Meeting in Clayton
The Directors of Community Services (DCSs) from across the state gathered for the Conference’s 2024 Fall Full Membership Meeting, held October 24-25 at the 1,000 Islands Harbor Hotel in Clayton, NY. Advancing cross-system innovation and building stronger partnerships to enhance mental hygiene service delivery took center stage during the two-day event.
On the morning of October 24, DCSs enjoyed a keynote on leadership and influence, followed by the CLMHD Business Meeting in the afternoon, which provided a forum for key STATE updates and strategic planning. The final day began with a panel on Threat Assessment and Management (TAM) teams, where counties with established programs shared insights on implementation. Members were then updated on workforce investment initiatives through Workforce Investment Organizations (WIOs) linked to the 1115 Waiver. The day wrapped up with a session on creating county-based Criminal Justice Coordinating Councils to enhance collaboration between mental health services and the justice system.
The Conference also took a moment to honor several retiring DCSs—Patricia Fralick (Lewis), Michael Prezioso (Saratoga), and Mark O’Brien (Erie)—as well as CLMHD’s dedicated Counsel, Jed Wolkenbreit. Their years of dedicated service, deep expertise, and steadfast commitment have left an indelible mark on CLMHD and communities across New York State. They will be truly missed, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude and warmest wishes as they begin new chapters in their lives.
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Youth Mental Health Advisory Board Holds Inaugural Meeting
The first in-person meeting of New York’s Youth Mental Health Advisory Board was held near the state capital on Saturday. The 30-member advisory board has representation from 19 counties located in every region throughout the state and includes youth between the ages of 11 and 17, providing a broad array of perspectives. “With the unique pressures so many young people are experiencing today, it’s critical that we listen to their perspective and learn about the issues they view as impacting them the most,” Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said. “The Youth Mental Health Advisory Board will offer invaluable insight into the issues facing our youth and help us to build and strengthen support for their mental well-being. Governor Hochul has demonstrated a lasting commitment to listening to our youth so that we can meaningfully address their mental health concerns.” Read more here.
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Fatal Drug Overdoses Are Dropping. Not Everyone Is Spared.
Overdose deaths across the country decreased by more than 12 percent between May 2023 and May 2024, according to new federal data, a major development in the nation’s efforts to combat the effects of fentanyl. The decrease continued a trend observed in recent months, and was the largest on record, the White House said last week. But a new analysis from Georgetown University researchers tells a more complicated story about a health crisis still claiming about 100,000 lives every year. In 22 states that track drug overdoses by race and ethnicity, the number of fatal overdoses among Black Americans typically increased between 2022 and 2023, while deadly overdoses among white Americans often decreased, the researchers found. Read more here.
Related: Overdose deaths are rising among Black and Indigenous Americans
Drug Overdose Deaths Are Down. Is It a Blip or a Trend?
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By the Numbers: Understanding OPWDD’s Developmental Disability Service System
The Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) recently released a comprehensive report detailing the scope and quality of services provided to New Yorkers with developmental disabilities. This report is an essential resource for understanding the size and reach of OPWDD’s support system, along with insights into the demographics of those served, funding sources, types of services available, and Medicaid expenditures for the last fiscal year. Covering services delivered from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023, it also provides trend data going back to 2018, shedding light on patterns and progress within New York’s developmental disability landscape. The report includes detailed data on Medicaid payments to service providers, with figures rounded for clarity, which may lead to slight discrepancies in totals or percentages. OPWDD also provides full data dashboards and a glossary of terms on their website to help users explore and understand the data further. Read the report here.
Related: OPWDD Releases New Data on Developmental Disabilities Services
Manatt Health: Medicaid's Role in Empowering People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
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Most State Medicaid Programs Will Continue to Make Behavioral Health a Strategic Priority
State Medicaid programs across the nation will continue to make behavioral health a strategic priority in 2025. A new survey report released by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) found that half the state leaders of the joint federal-state health plan for the vulnerable want to expand the continuum of behavioral health services in their states, come up with new reimbursement models, or better integrate behavioral and physical health services, for example. The focus on behavioral health comes as Medicaid leaders continue to address program and member challenges. Read more here.
Related: For People With Opioid Addiction, Medicaid ‘Unwinding’ Raises the Stakes
Medicaid’s New Role in Advancing Reentry: Key Policy Changes
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The Princeton Review Releases Results of Yearlong Project to Promote Mental Health Resources for College Students
The Princeton Review, one of the nation's leading education services companies, recently reported results of its multifaceted yearlong project designed to promote mental health resources on college campuses as well as student awareness of them. The project was conducted in partnership with the Ruderman Family Foundation, an internationally recognized organization that works to end the stigma associated with mental health and increase awareness of—and the availability of—mental health services. Launched in October 2023, the project began with The Princeton Review's development of its Campus Mental Health Advisory Board. Comprised of professionals with experience in the field of student mental health, the board played a seminal role in shaping the project's school outreach, data collection, survey planning, Honor Roll School list criteria, and more. The project data collection phase that followed was threefold. Read more here.
Related: Focusing on Mental Health Challenges Facing Community College Students
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Building Healthy Futures: Addressing Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders During Pregnancy and Postpartum
The U.S. has one of the highest maternal mortality rates among high-income countries, with mental health issues and substance use disorders (SUD) contributing to over 20% of postpartum deaths, mainly from suicide and overdose. Barriers such as stigma, discrimination, and lack of integrated care hinder access to vital support for pregnant and postpartum individuals, impacting maternal and infant outcomes. New evidence-based models, emphasizing integrated care, community supports, and medication for addiction treatment, are emerging to improve birth equity. Given that Medicaid covers 41% of U.S. births and now offers extended postpartum coverage in most states, there is a unique opportunity to improve perinatal care and reduce maternal mortality. A new report highlights community-driven programs and provides suggestions for evidence-based, person-centered perinatal services to aid states, healthcare providers, and organizations in enhancing maternal health and promoting healthier futures. Read more here.
Related: CHCS Webinar - 10/30/24 - Improving Health Outcomes for Pregnant and Postpartum Individuals with Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders
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N-SUMHSS 2023: Data on Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Mental Health Treatment Facilities
The National Substance Use and Mental Health Services Survey (N-SUMHSS) is a voluntary annual survey of all active substance use and mental health facilities in the United States, its territories, and D.C. The annual report presents findings on the key operational characteristics of substance use and mental health treatment facilities, use of pharmacotherapies, language assistance services, and suicide prevention assistance services. Read more here.
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Online Gambling Rise Poses Significant Public Health Threat: Commission
The worldwide rise of online gambling poses a significant public health threat, according to a report released last week. The report, which was published in the Lancet Public Health journal, found that almost 16 percent of adults and more than 26 percent of adolescents who use slot machine games and online casinos have a gambling disorder. The researchers estimated that this addiction could affect more than 16 percent of adolescents and nearly 9 percent of adults who gamble using sports betting products. “Gambling is not a simple leisure activity; it is a health-harming addictive behaviour,” the researchers wrote. “The harms associated with gambling are wide-ranging, not only affecting an individual’s health and wellbeing, but also their wealth and relationships, affecting families and communities with potential lifelong consequences, and deepening health and societal inequalities.” Read more here.
Related: NY’s Responsible Play Partnership Announces Additional Collaborative Measures to Prevent Problem Gambling
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UPCOMING EVENTS & TRAININGS
Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) in Criminal Justice Settings: Developing Partnerships between Correctional Professionals and Community-based Providers
October 31, 2 - 3:30 pm, SAMHSA's GAINS Center
NYS OMH Youth Safe Space Community Forum
November 4, 10 - 11 am, NYSOMH
Invisible Wounds of Service: PTSD, TBI and Moral Injury
November 5, 2 - 3 pm, SAMHSA
Rural Youth and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
November 6, 1 - 2:15 pm, NTTAC
NYS OMH Youth Safe Space Community Forum
November 6, 2 - 3 pm, NYSOMH
The Americans with Disabilities Act and How it Applies to Addiction and Recovery
November 6, 3 - 4:30 pm, NAADAC
Navigating Concerns on Youth Crime, Violence, and Behavioral Health: Three Steps to Take -Communications and Media
November 7, 11 am - 12 pm, CSG Justice Center
Children and Family Treatment and Support Services (CFTSS) Provider Forum
November 7, 1:30 - 3 pm, CTAC/MCTAC
Pathways to Support: SSI/SSDI Outreach That Works
November 7, 2 - 3:30 pm, National Council for Mental Wellbeing
An Introduction to Scalable Psychopathology InteRvention Intensive Training (SPIRIT) for ID & Autism
November 8, 11:30 am - 1 pm, CTAC/MCTAC
Justice Center Code of Conduct Train-the-Trainer Session
November 13, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm, Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs
Youth and Technology: Mental Health Redefined (Part 2)
November 13, 12 - 1:30 pm, CTAC/MCTAC
Rate Setting Considerations for Remote Delivery of Services in 1915(c) Waiver Programs
November 13, 1:30 - 3 pm, CMS
Identifying and Addressing Behavioral Health Needs in Encampments
November 13, 2 - 3:30 pm, SAMHSA HHRC
Treatment Pathways Across Cultures
November 14, 12 - 1 pm, PsychU
Suicide Prevention 2.0 Clinical Telehealth: Implementation of an evidence-based psychotherapy program to reduce suicide behavior in US Veterans
November 14, 1 - 2 pm, USDVA
Applying Trauma-Informed Principles for Quality Improvement Buy-In
November 14, 1 - 2 pm, Social Current
Design and Implementation of Crisis Services for Children, Youth, and Families as Part of a System of Care
November 14, 2 - 3 pm, SAMHSA
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Clinical Considerations & Unmet Needs
November 15, 12 - 1 pm, PsychU
HYPE on Campus: Initial Results from an Educational Support Intervention for Young Adult Students with Mental Health Conditions
November 15, 1:30 - 3 pm, Transitions ACR
NYS OMH Youth Safe Space Community Forum
November 15, 6 - 7 pm, NYSOMH
Justice Involvement in Special Populations
November 18, 9:30 - 11:30 am, SAMHSA
Unreal: Online Misinformation, Deep Fakes, and Youth
November 19, 12 - 1 pm, Children and Screens
Workforce Solutions Jam | Addressing the Workforce Shortage Through Policy Change
November 19, 1 - 2 pm, National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Understanding Medicare to Advance Medicare-Medicaid Integration: State and Enrollee Perspectives
November 20, 12 - 1:15 pm, Better Care Playbook
Breaking Barriers: Understanding and Combating Mental Health Stigma Among Children, Youth, and Families
November 20, 12 - 1:30 pm, CTAC/MCTAC
Treating Youth Firesetting Behavior
November 21, 12 - 2 pm, CTAC/MCTAC
Peer Recovery Support Series: Passionate Professionals; Dispassionate Practice
December 5, 12 - 1:30 pm, NAADAC
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CLMHD CALENDAR
NOVEMBER
CLMHD Executive Committee Meeting
November 6: 8 - 9 am
Quarterly LGU Clinic Billing Staff Call
November 6: 11 am - 12 pm
LGU Clinic Operators Call
November 12: 10 - 11:30 am
Addiction Services & Supports (ASR) Committee Meeting
November 14: 11 am - 12 pm
Developmental Disabilities Committee Meeting
November 14: 1 - 2:30 pm
Mental Health Committee Meeting
November 14: 3 - 4 pm
IOCC Meeting
November 19: 1 - 3 pm - Empire State Plaza, Albany
Membership Call
November 20: 9 - 10:30 am
Children & Families Committee Meeting
November 26: 11:30 am - 1 pm
CLMHD Office Closed - Thanksgiving
November 28 - 29
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