Emotional Wellness during COVID-19
#bhXPERT Twitter Chat
Caregiver Support Group Meetings
Every Wednesday from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Eastern, caregiver support group meetings You’re invited to our Caregiver Support Group meetings. These free groups provide a safe place for any caregiver, guardian, parent, grandparent, family member, etc. to talk through their struggles and successes, and to learn from one another.
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Resources
For information related to Magellan Behavioral Health, HealthChoices Services, member handbook, eligibility, etc., please call the Lehigh Magellan member line at 1-866-238-2311 or for (TTY) 1-866-238-2313. Information can also be accessed by clicking on the following link: http://www.magellanofpa.com/
For concerns or comments about the Lehigh County HealthChoices Program and/or Magellan Behavioral Health, you can:
o Contact the Consumer and Family Satisfaction Team through Recovery Partnership at 610-861-2741 or,
o Contact HealthChoices staff member Liz Fox (lizabethfox@lehighcounty.org) at 610-782-3520 or,
o Contact HealthChoices staff member Erika Shoemaker (erikashoemaker@lehighcounty.org) at 610-782-3842.
To view the current & archived Magellan's Member Newsletters - please click on link below
Magellan's Member Newsletters
While you are in there be sure to sign up to receive the newsletters electronically
Magellan of PA website: www.MagellanofPA.com Lehigh County Magellan Member Handbook Lehigh County Magellan Member Handbook (español) New videos help members, families access services:
Magellan has produced two videos for members and their families to help them become informed and active participants in their own healthcare plans and decisions. Hosted by peers who share their lived experiences with behavioral health services, each video answers common questions, addresses the apprehension some individuals may feel when seeking or receiving these services, and helps them understand what to expect.
The videos provide key information, as well as tips and resources, in an easy-to-understand format. Below are the topics and links to the videos:
· Getting help for mental health challenges
· Taking psychiatric medication: It’s your choice
Resources available for Suicide Prevention Month, Recovery Month in September
Magellan Health is supporting Suicide Prevention Month, which is observed nationally each September and aims to draw attention to the devastating effects of suicide and how to prevent it.
Barry M. Smith, chairman and chief executive officer of Magellan Health, Inc., and Sam K. Srivastava, chief executive officer of Magellan Healthcare, have issued a statement about the observance. September is also National Recovery Month, created to increase awareness and understanding of mental and substance use issues and celebrate the people who recover.
As another way to show our support for both of these observances, Magellan has developed information sheets with details about how to prevent and cope with suicide, as well as details about mental health and alcohol and drug dependency. We encourage you to share these guides with individuals, their families and anyone else who may benefit.
Suicide Prevention Month:
How to cope and heal after a suicide
When a friend or family member commits suicide
Recovery Month:
Mental health: A key part of wellness
Alcohol and drug dependency
eMpowered for Wellness! Peer Support Whole Heart and Wellness e-news
Videos tell compelling stories of peers making a difference A message from Tom Lane, CRPS, senior director, consumer and recovery services
In this special edition of eMpowered for Wellness, we feature Magellan Healthcare's new videos highlighting the role of peer and parent/family peer support in the behavioral health recovery process. Six Magellan staff members who represent a range of peer and family support services in the organization highlight their unique experience and success with helping others. I am honored to have participated in this exciting project.
At Magellan, we employ highly skilled individuals with lived experience both directly and indirectly, through our provider networks across the country, and actively include peers and family peers as part of the recovery process. Their work is unique and powerful.
'As the first company to recognize the critical role of peer support in the recovery process 17 years ago, Magellan considers peer/family peer support to be an invaluable service to our members.' - Tom Lane, CRPS, senior director, consumer and recovery services
See the videos
Participants discuss how they offer support, strength and hope to their peers, which allows for personal growth, wellness promotion and recovery. View the following videos on our E-Learning Center.
New election tip sheet!
As if 2020 wasn’t already difficult enough with the stressors caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and demonstrations over social justice issues, the upcoming election adds another level of anxiety to many people. A study released by the American Psychological Association in 2019 showed that 56% of Americans, regardless of party affiliation, felt stressed about the upcoming presidential election.[1]
Our tip sheet on managing stress and anxiety during election season can be found here for practical tips to help those who feel overwhelmed by the current political climate.
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Resources
Suicide is one of the most common causes of death in the US. Since 1999, the suicide rate has increased by more than 30% in half of the states.* As suicide reaches crisis proportions in our country, Magellan recognizes suicide as a public health crisis. We believe that one suicide is too many. During Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in September and throughout the year, suicide prevention is a primary focus of Magellan in managing behavioral health for our members and providing education in our communities. We are committed to raising awareness of suicide prevention and providing free resources on the warning signs and skills needed to save a life.
Visit our suicide prevention webpage for Magellan events, downloads and updates on blog posts in September. You’ll also find a downloadable flyer at the top of the page on these Suicide Prevention Awareness Month events and resources. We encourage you to use and share these resources widely.
*https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/suicide/
New resources available for back-to-school and telehealth
Tip sheet: Return to school during the pandemic Parents and children can expect additional changes in the coming school year. State and local authorities continue to navigate the options, taking into account public health, state and local guidelines. We are in uncharted territory with the realities of an ever-changing pandemic. It is important to focus on helping your family adjust to new routines. Learn tips here to help children adapt and take care of your own mental health. Blog post: Telehealth—Care and treatment wherever you are Telehealth services have been available for years to help remove geographical and other boundaries for people in rural and medically underserved areas; however, use has been limited. Driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, including shelter-in-place orders, social distancing, and federal agencies mandating use for certain programs, telehealth has grown exponentially since March.
While companies like Teladoc and MD Live have been operating telehealth platforms for nearly two decades, many platforms are dedicated only to physical health. Magellan Healthcare has maintained a telehealth network for behavioral health since 2014. Learn how we help health plans, employers, members and providers here.
COVID-19 and racial and ethnic disparities may be combining to delay diagnosis and important early treatment for autism spectrum disorder in children. Read the Magellan Health Insights blog post, Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis in the Time of Coronavirus: A Conversation with Magellan’s Yagnesh Vadgama, here to learn:
What can parents do to help ensure a correct, early diagnosis if they have concerns
Magellan Health announced this week it has appointed Caroline Carney, MD, MSc, FAPM, CPHQ, as chief medical officer of Magellan Health.
In this key leadership role, Dr. Carney will advance Magellan Health’s clinical mission and further position the company’s significant leadership capabilities in clinical engagement. She will also continue to serve as the chief medical officer of Magellan Rx Management, leading the development and implementation of innovative, integrated clinical programs for customers and members of Magellan’s pharmacy business segment.
We have a new video called Telehealth: Get care and treatment wherever you are, which explains:
How to schedule a telehealth visit
What to do once a telehealth visit is scheduled
How to get the most from telehealth
Watch the video here.
A focus on COVID-19 during May Mental Health Awareness Month
Find information at the following links and on our dedicated COVID-19 response page for support:
Blog post: "Stamp Out Stigma During May: Mental Health Awareness Month" here
The loss of normalcy: Coping with grief and uncertainty during COVID-19
Magellan launches Stay Home for MY LIFE virtual youth events
Magellan Healthcare is offering its Magellan Youth Leaders Inspiring Future Empowerment (MY LIFE) program virtually for youth ages 13-23 who have experience with mental health, substance use, juvenile justice and foster-care-related issues. In response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Magellan Healthcare has transitioned its MY LIFE program to facilitate virtual participation by interested youth across the country no matter where they are located. Held every Thursday from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. Eastern until stay at home orders are lifted, the weekly events feature nationally recognized inspirational speakers, uplifting entertainment, fun activities and information on a variety of topics important to youth. Youth and young adults interested in Stay Home for MY LIFE can find more information and register at facebook.com/MYLIFEyouth. Since 2008, Magellan’s MY LIFE program has been leading the way nationally for youth in behavioral health and foster care systems, allowing them to share their stories and support each other in their goals. Through regular meetings, special events, performances, social media, and local and national presentations, youth create positive change for themselves and others in their communities. Find more information about the MY LIFE program here.
Addressing compassion fatigue in today's caregiver climate
A message from Thomas Lane, NCPS, CRPS, senior director, community and recovery supports
Welcome to the September 2020 issue of eMpowered for Wellness by Magellan Healthcare. This month I bring back an earlier Thought Leaders interview with Patricia Smith about compassion fatigue, given the significant impact COVID-19 continues to have on caregivers across the spectrum, from hospital staff to family caregivers. I was reminded of Patricia’s interview and wanted to share it at a time when it could be so helpful to so many. Access the Thought Leaders interview on compassion fatigue: Click Here....
Mark your calendar for upcoming events!
Every Thursday from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m., Eastern, Stay Home for MY LIFE virtual youth festival Magellan's weekly MY LIFE virtual youth festival is an inspiring online event designed for youth and young adults who have experience with mental health, substance use, foster care and/or other challenges. Each week we feature inspirational speakers, uplifting entertainment and information related to recovery, wellness and empowerment.
Every Wednesday from 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. Eastern, caregiver support group meetings You’re invited to our caregiver support group meetings. These free groups provide a safe place for any caregiver, guardian, parent, grandparent, family member, etc. to talk through their struggles and successes, and to learn from one another.
Access 2020 newsletters and webinar recordings eMpowered for Wellness
We continue to monitor developments around the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Visit our dedicated website, including information and resources for our communities, clients, members and providers, such as:
We’re looking for your feedback! Take a one-question online survey to share your feedback about our newsletter! It takes less than a minute to complete. We value your opinions and ideas! Access the survey. New and improved – Magellan Healthcare Recovery and Resiliency eLearning Center!
The Magellan Healthcare Recovery and Resiliency eLearning Center is your resource for training and educational information on peer support, recovery and resiliency, and a comprehensive listing of health topics. We offer these learning opportunities free of charge, in a convenient format for individuals who work in the healthcare field, families and anyone interested in the topics.
Check out the new and improved Magellan Healthcare eLearning Center, where you will find previous versions of this newsletter, webinars and learning opportunities, including for continuing education credits, health literacy materials and other resources!
Magellan Healthcare COVID-19 resources
Implications of digital inclusion, an emerging social determinant of health, and COVID-19
Every Wednesday from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Eastern, Caregiver Support Group meetings You’re invited to our Caregiver Support Group meetings. These free groups provide a safe place for any caregiver, guardian, parent, grandparent, family member, etc. to talk through their struggles and successes, and to learn from one another. We meet every Wednesday from 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. Eastern.
“Technology can be used to make people’s lives easier, to reduce inequality, to facilitate inclusion, or to solve intractable global problems, but without dialogue and governance, it can be used against humanity – the choice on how we use technology is ours.” - Sharan Burrow
We’re looking for your feedback! Take our one-question online survey to share your feedback about our newsletter! It takes less than a minute to complete. We value your opinions and ideas! Access the survey.
No-cost, on-demand learning opportunities Check out Magellan’s on-demand webinars and micronars in our Recovery and Resiliency e-Learning Center. You can also surf through an archive of our previous presentations, e-newsletters, health literacy materials and other resources!
Making a difference for our members and clients
For over 50 years, Magellan Healthcare has served the behavioral health needs of our members through innovative programs and services. While helping our members live happier, healthier and more independent lives, we've lowered our clients' costs. Using our innovative digital solutions, 74% of our Pennsylvania members with moderate to severe anxiety reported 22% improvement in symptoms.[1]
Learn more about our results Visit MagellanHealthcare.com/BehavioralHealthManagement. And while you’re there, find new information on our behavioral health solutions, services for children, and peer support and recovery and resiliency program.
Are we overdiagnosing autism?
Researchers say the changing criteria for autism may be resulting in an overdiagnosis of the condition. Read the Healthline article, "Are we overdiagnosing autism?, " featuring Yagnesh Vagdama, Vice President of Clinical Care Services - Autism at Magellan Health, where he shares his thoughts on the topic.
Read the article here.
Magellan releases model for serving high-risk children and adolescents on Nov. 21, during the national federation of families for children’s mental health annual conference, Magellan Healthcare will present its new, research-based model for the prevention and treatment of children and adolescents. pat hunt, director of child and family resiliency services and part of the team that created the model, will present the approach that keeps youth and their families central to the decision-making process and addresses individuals’ needs, strengths, preferences and culture. Magellan's model:
Mental Health America introduces video featuring Magellan’s Integrated Health Home Initiative mental health america (mha) and itn productions recently selected magellan as the only managed care company to feature in a new, online program examining the current state of mental health in america, aiming to improve mental health services and provide a better understanding of mental health conditions to help identify them far sooner.
#b4stage4 is an in-depth, online program specifically aimed at those working to improve mental health across the nation. the news-style piece combines key industry interviews and news-style reports with sponsored editorial profiles of some of the leading organizations in the sector, including magellan.
magellan highlights its integrated health home (ihh) initiative in iowa in its segment of the program, demonstrating the positive impact of the initiative from the perspective of a member and the ihh provider who has helped the member throughout the recovery process.
“campaigns such as itn and mha’s #b4stage4 are essential to eliminating stigma and promoting hope,” said Jim Stringham, Senior Vice President, Magellan Healthcare, who is featured in the video along with Magellan complete care’s Chief Medical Officer Chuck Cutler. “Magellan is appreciative of the opportunity to be a part of this program, through sharing one of our initiatives that addresses whole person health and wellness—our integrated health home. we hope that this story will inspire others to continue their recovery journey.”
see the #b4stage4 program at http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/b4stage4-program. to access Magellan’s segment, hover over the video and click the word “playlist” at the right of the video screen. Magellan’s is the last video in the playlist. read more about the #b4stage4 program in the press release from mha and itn.
Magellan sponsors new documents from national building bridges initiative targeted to family-serving systems
the building bridges initiative (bbi) recently published two new magellan-sponsored documents for child welfare, juvenile justice and mental health leaders interested in fostering permanency and positive long-term outcomes for youth: a building bridges initiative guide- finding and engaging families of youth receiving residential interventions: key issues, tips, and strategies for residential leaders
Magellan’s sponsorship of these documents is part of a long-standing national partnership with the bbi in supporting their efforts to identify and promote practice and policy that creates strong and closely coordinated partnerships and collaborations between families, youth, community, and residentially based treatment and service providers, advocates and policy makers, to ensure that comprehensive mental health services and supports are available to improve the lives of young people and their families.
Magellan in Louisiana’s Margaret Mitchell receives award for work in advancing peer support
Margaret Mitchell, Director of Consumer Recovery for Magellan Health in Louisiana, has received the Chris French award, the highest honor from the Louisiana association of substance abuse counselors & trainers (lasact). during its annual conference last week, Iasact awarded Margaret for her efforts in advancing peer support as a professional designation and her collaboration with the association to develop a structured and recognized credential.
throughout the event, Margaret, along with Children’s System Administrator Foley Nash and Lead Peer Specialist Carla Neely, shared information about the programs we manage in Louisiana and the successes of our work toward including peer support as a recognized professional complement to clinical services in the state.
the first company to recognize the critical role of peer support in the recovery process, Magellan considers peer/family peer support to be an invaluable service to our members. we employ individuals with lived experience both directly and indirectly, through our provider networks across the country, and actively include these individuals as part of the treatment process. hundreds of peers currently participate in Magellan’s programs, and we continue to explore new ways to effectively expand peer support choices for our members nationwide.
what is peer support?
the use of peer supporters, individuals with mental health, substance use or co-occurring challenges who are living well in their recovery and are trained to help others with similar challenges, is recognized as an evidence-based practice and a key component of recovery-focused programs. these individuals are able to relate with their peers through shared experiences in a uniquely personal way.
the videos highlight each staff member’s unique experience, expertise and success with helping others. participants discuss how they offer support, strength and hope to their peers, which allows for personal growth, wellness promotion and recovery.
“we have very highly skilled, experienced, knowledgeable people doing peer support. their work is unique and powerful. Magellan is an industry leader in bringing the value of peers to programs through initiatives designed to improve member engagement, increase access to care and realize improved personal health outcomes.” tom lane, senior director, consumer and recovery services, and video participant
Pilo Bueno, director, recovery and resiliency, Magellan/Presbyterian Healthcare Services, New Mexico
Cheryl Dehaven, manager, recovery and resiliency, Magellan of Virginia
Elyse Hunt, peer recovery navigator, Magellan of Virginia
Pat Hunt (family peer support), Director, child and family resiliency services, Magellan Healthcare
Tom Lane, Senior Director, consumer and recovery services, Magellan Healthcare
Alex Ramos, peer support specialist, Magellan complete care of Florida
Treat suicide like a public crisis A message from Jim Leonard, CEO, Magellan Behavioral Health of Pennsylvania, Inc.
As suicide reaches crisis-level proportions in our nation, it’s time to recognize suicide as a public health crisis and learn about the warning signs and the skills needed to save a life. At Magellan, we believe that one suicide is too many. We empower the entire system—the individual, their network of family and friends, and the community—with knowledge, education and tools to change attitudes and behaviors in an environment of uninterrupted and supportive care. Read more
Cambria County virtual events celebrate those in recovery
On September 19 and October 7 there are virtual community events in Cambria County. Read more
IBHS provider education sessions continue
Magellan hosts regular IBHS meetings and recordings of past meetings are on our website. Read more
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness month
Interpersonal violence is more than physical violence, and there are county, state and national resources available. Read more
COE locations transition as new specialty type providers
Magellan and our county partners continue to work closely with the Opioid Use Disorder COEs to coordinate the services available. Read more
Community Bike Works receives support from Magellan
Community Bike Works in Allentown provided take-home bike kits for kids to continue their programming through Magellan's support. Read more
October is Magellan Cares month and the PA team is supporting pet orgs
Magellan's Care Management Centers in Newtown, Bethlehem and Johnstown will support a local pet non-profit in October. Read more
Community resources including food pantries, utility support and more
Our website offers over 200 local, state and national helpful resources. Read more
Important updates for providers
Provider Focus is updated frequently to include important local updates and information critical to your day-to-day operations. You will find other updates on our website under "For Providers."
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, Title V, defines health literacy as the degree to which an individual has the capacity to obtain, communicate, process and understand basic health information and services to make appropriate health decisions. We need to pay attention to health literacy needs as part of any community health activity. With this in mind, we are pleased to offer our readers access to our health and wellness library, including health education and interactive tools. These resources are offered at no cost and are available in English and Spanish.
Interactive Tools for health, fitness and lifestyle
If you would like to learn more about health literacy, check out the Centers for Disease Control Health Literacy for Public Health Professionals free on-demand e-course. It provides an excellent introduction to the subject of health literacy, including why it matters and applying health literacy to practice.
We’re looking for your feedback! Take our one-question online survey to share your feedback about our newsletter! We value your opinions and ideas! Access the survey.
No-cost, on-demand learning opportunities Check out Magellan’s on-demand webinars and micronars in our Recovery and Resiliency e-Learning Center. You can also surf through an archive of our previous presentations, e-newsletters, health literacy and other resources!
A message from Jim Leonard, CEO, Magellan Behavioral Health of Pennsylvania