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:

• AHIP one-pager featuring Magellan COVID-19 resources and services: "Supporting Americans' Mental Health Amid COVID-19" here
• Tip sheet: "COVID-19: Essential Workers: Safety at Work and Home" here

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. 

Peer supporters in the workforce: diversity, inclusion, integration

A message from Thomas Lane, NCPS, CRPS, senior director, community and recovery supports

Welcome to Magellan’s July 2020 edition of eMpowered for Wellness. This month, I want to share some thoughts and insights on the importance of peer support services in healthcare, as well as other systems where peer supporters may be integrated. As the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be felt across the U.S. and around the world and folks struggle with the fallout, we are seeing an increased need for mental health and substance use disorder services and supports. In a May 14, 2020 news release, the United Nations called for a substantial investment in mental health services to avoid a “massive increase in mental health conditions in the coming months.”   Explore this topic in the feature article here for more on the contributions and role of peer support in preventive mental health.

Mark your calendar for upcoming events! Magellan Healthcare eMpowered for Learning, summer ethics webinar series   We are pleased to announce the schedule for our inaugural Summer ethics for peer supporters series. Magellan is committed to increasing access to effective peer support services to improve personal well-being and promote recovery. Certified peer specialists are required to earn continuing education credits on the subject of ethics as a condition of being in good standing with certification entities. Lisa Goodale, MSW, will be joining us as our moderator to share her many years of experience with peer support and ethics Part 1 – August 5, 2020, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m., Eastern, "Black and white and grey all over: Ethics for providing quality peer support" Jean Dukarski, CPSS, program director, Justice in Mental Health Organization, is our scheduled presenter.   Register for this no-cost learning opportunity Check out more on the webinar, including CE credit eligibility Part 2 – August 19, 2020, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m., Eastern Part 3 – September 3, 2020, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m., Eastern Stay tuned for additional details and the registration links for Part 2 and Part 3 of our series!  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. Learn more on the MY LIFE Facebook page Register for free 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. Join online, or by phone at: 1-646-558-8656 (toll free) (meeting ID 707 619 166) (password 181500) Access 2020 newsletters and webinar recordings eMpowered for Wellness June newsletter – Thought Leaders interview with Dr. Karen L. Fortuna, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, and co-developer of PeerTECH, a mobile app May newsletter – focus on digitally delivered peer support April newsletter – focus on the implications of digital inclusion, an emerging social determinant of health, and COVID-19 March newsletter – focus on how social inclusion is directly tied to recovery, personal wellness and strengthening resilience January newsletter – focus on how social determinants of health impact people and communities and how the Eight Dimensions of Wellness are a way to look holistically at those areas of our lives that Impact our overall health and well-being, in context of social determinants of health   Explore Magellan Healthcare COVID-19 resources   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: A tip sheet on helping kids manage summer and fall during the COVID-19 pandemic here Access to a 24-hour crisis line, and crisis text line here Video on how to use telehealth here 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

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:

• A tip sheet on grief and loss related to COVID-19 here
• A tip sheet on stress and trauma related to COVID-19 here
• Information on how to access virtual recovery meetings, including AA, NA, Al-Anon and Nar-Anon here

Implications of digital inclusion, an emerging social determinant of health, and COVID-19

A message from Thomas Lane, NCPS, CRPS, senior director, community and recovery supports 

Welcome to Magellan’s April 2020 edition of eMpowered for Wellness. In this month’s feature article, I’ll make the case for why I believe digital inclusion is an under recognized social determinant of health.

In the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, healthcare providers, including peer and family support specialists, are responding by transitioning to virtual visits via various telehealth platforms, making digital inclusion even more important today.
 
We are seeing peer support services adapting quickly, with peer-run and traditional provider organizations ramping up capabilities for tech-enabled/tech-assisted peer support. CMS is even relaxing some of the requirements for telehealth, in an effort to offer Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries virtual access to healthcare providers. Many commercial insurers are following suit.   
 
However, a digital divide exists across the U.S for many people. This is especially true for folks living with disabilities and those reliant of publicly funded healthcare services. Many rural and frontier communities still do not have reliable high-speed internet service. In some cases, folks are dependent on dial-up connections. No matter where you live, you may not have access to the devices necessary for a digital connection.
 
With the COVID-19 pandemic looking like it will continue to be of major concern for months to come, the role of telehealth and telemedicine has quickly come to the forefront of discussions about how folks can access healthcare in light of social distancing and stay-at-home orders. Read the full article here. 

Mark your calendar for upcoming events!
 

	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. Join online, or by phone at: 1-646-558-8656 (toll free) (meeting ID 707 619 166)

Access 2020 eMpowered newsletters and webinar recordings (for CE credits)

• January newsletter - focus on how social determinants of health impact people and communities and how the Eight Dimensions of Wellness are a way to look holistically at those areas of our lives that impact our overall health and well-being, in context of social determinants of health
• February webinar - provides additional information and training about how wellness-informed peer support can positively impact social determinants
• March newsletter - focus on how social inclusion is directly tied to recovery, personal wellness and strengthening resilience

“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

Magellan Healthcare COVID-19 resources

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:

• Tips for managing stress and anxiety, including financial resilience during COVID-19, working from home, addressing COVID-19 anxiety in healthcare workers, and more here
• Information on how to access virtual recovery meetings, including AA, NA, Al-Anon and Nar-Anon here
• Magellan health and wellness library, here, including health education and interactive tools, offered at no cost, in English and Spanish. Search for “coronavirus” for information.

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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.

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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!

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Magellan has been creating and sharing the eMpowered for Wellness e-newsletter for more than six years, starting with our first issue in the fall of 2012. We continue to offer thought provoking articles on a range of topics, along with resources to advance peer support and peer-provided services throughout healthcare systems and in the community.

Please share this e-newsletter with friends and colleagues, and encourage them to join our email list to receive it along with occasional announcements about new resources and shared learning opportunities!

Provider Notice

We are pleased to announce the addition of our new Member and Family Advocate, John G. Lees, MSW, LSW, to the Magellan team.   John will be dedicating his time to HealthChoices members in the Lehigh and Northampton counties.  He is available at 610-814-8025 or JGLees@MagellanHealth.com

As a licensed social worker for 16 years, John possesses skills in a variety of settings, including outpatient mental health, residential treatment facilities, crisis intervention, juvenile detention, and children's services, provide him with a well-rounded approach to member's needs. 

He holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania, and has worked at Magellan in various capacities, including child and adolescent care manager, child and adolescent care management supervisor, and director of clinical and operations training.   John's previous positions included serving as executive director for KidsPeace in Bethlehem, Pa.; psychotherapist for Klingberg Family Center in New Britain, Conn.; and safe school specialist at Project Reach in Delaware County and a crisis clinician for Community Behavioral Health in Philadelphia. 

In his role, John will serve as a liaison between Magellan and members, their families and other support individuals.   This position will be a source of information and referral; serve as a guide for families seeking services and solutions on behalf of member; advocate for fair processes and aid in answering questions and concerns. 

In addition, John will act as a neutral representative and provide direct conflict resolution services, including coaching, facilitation and mediation between members, families, employees, providers, clinics and other inter-departmental areas.  He will also assist in facilitating appropriate access to care through identification and prevention, analyzing root causes of challenges and identifying strategies for resolutions. 

Please join us in welcoming John to his new role at Magellan.    www.MagellanProvider.com

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]

• Youth participating in our Wyoming High-Fidelity Wraparound program cost 74% less to treat than those in psychiatric residential treatment facilities.[2]

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:

• is developmentally appropriate, culturally competent and includes trauma-informed best practices.

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.

Magellan videos highlight compelling stories of peers making a difference in others’ recovery Magellan Healthcare has produced a series of videos highlighting the role of peer and parent/family peer support in the behavioral health recovery process. the new videos feature six Magellan staff members who represent a range of peer support services in the organization. the participants share their inspiring stories, explain their roles and describe the positive impact of peer and family peer support on individuals in recovery. 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

Cross-systems collaboration creates a stronger HealthChoices Program
A message from Jim Leonard, CEO, Magellan Behavioral Health of Pennsylvania, Inc.

Magellan has a long history of expertise with collaboration, care integration and system building for behavioral health (BH) and other complex populations. We collaborate with counties, human service agencies, Single County Authorities, justice agencies, crisis response agencies/organizations, school districts, stakeholders, and BH and physical health providers to strengthen and expand the capabilities of each community. Read more

COVID-19 announcement: For all of our provider updates, go here.
Magellan's national 24-hour mental health hotline for first responders and healthcare workers is 1-800-327-7451 (TTY 711)

COVID-19 trainings for providers and other health professionals Find several national resources for COVID-19 related trainings in one convenient location. Read more Census 2020: What to expect It's important to be counted in the census to positively impact our community. Read more Text message reminders available for follow-up care There are many benefits to our Text Reminder Program for follow-up care after a behavioral health hospitalization. Read more Help identify and manage your patients' behavioral health With Magellan's PCP Toolkit for medical providers, you hold the tools to deliver integrated quality care and coordinated behavioral healthcare. Read more Food insecurity resources are available During COVID-19, unemployment claims have sharply increased and many individuals and families face a new reality of food insecurity. Read more Magellan earns full accreditation for three more years from NCQA NCQA reviews include rigorous on-site and off-site evaluations conducted by a team of physicians and managed care experts. 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.

Health and wellness library for health topics from A to Z. 

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