Connections Health Solutions

In just its first two months, the Connections Emergency Behavioral Health Crisis Walk-in Center in Harrisburg, PA has made a significant impact, providing around-the-clock crisis intervention services to 617 individuals from Cumberland County, PA, Dauphin County, and Perry County. Since the pandemic, there have been cases where individuals suffering a behavioral health crisis had to wait days, even weeks, to transition to the next level of care from hospital emergency departments. Annie Strite, Mental Health Director for Cumberland County, PA noted, "That has all but stopped the last couple of months.” The success of this center is a result of the strong collaboration and support from our community partners. We’re proud to be part of this essential work and grateful to everyone involved in helping make it happen.? "As we continue to build and strengthen these services, our goal remains clear,” said Courtney Sanchez “We will establish meaningful partnerships, enhance community awareness and ensure that every individual in need know that Connections is here.” Read the full article recently shared here: https://lnkd.in/gvTAuMC6 #CrisisCare #BehavioralHealth #MentalHealth #ConnectionsCenter #ConnectionsHealthSolutions #Pennsylvania #CommunityCollaboration

A sheriff friend of mine is renowned for saying the kitschy phrase, “teamwork makes the dream work.” Thought I’d share an experience this week that clearly proved that. At a high risk suicide attempt on a busy interstate overpass, City PD Negotiators got called to assist the State Patrol on a jumper who was over the edge. Only because of a coordinated effort between the State Patrol (WSP) and the Department of Transportation (WADOT), creating a safe workspace up top, plus the fire department and local police creating a locked down zone to keep the public safe down below, were safe negotiations possible. As it was, the negotiator was able to solely focus on the needs of the victim. After being over the edge for nearly 2 hours, the victim came back, was made safe, and was personally driven to a new county Crisis Care Center by a WSP Sergeant. No handcuffs, no 4-points on a gurney, just a dignified transport for somebody who was experiencing overwhelm from their illness. That they went to a receiving center that was specifically geared toward people experiencing his illness (and didn’t take up space at our already-crowded ED) made this resolution all the better. I couldn’t be prouder of this team. #connectionshealthsolutions

Thank you to Laura Lovett from Behavioral Health Business for highlighting the importance of behavioral health crisis care. During the COVID-19 pandemic, ED visits for behavioral health conditions spiked, emphasizing the ongoing need for effective crisis care. While the national health emergency has ended, the demand for impactful behavioral health care remains. Traditional EDs are often ill-equipped to address behavioral health crises, resulting in long wait times and high costs. Fortunately, solutions are emerging, with models like Connections Health Solutions offering efficient, cost-effective, community-based care. Connections’ approach, including services like a 23-hour observation unit, walk-in urgent care, and crisis stabilization, prioritizes community care and presents a strong business model for investors and payers alike. Key takeaways: -High demand for behavioral health crisis care persists post-pandemic, and traditional EDs are not well-suited for behavioral health crises, as they often involve long wait times and high costs -Connections Health Solutions offers a cost-effective business model that reduces hospital costs and creates savings for health plans. - American Board of Emergency Medicine recently began to recognize emergency behavioral health as a focused practice designation, offering new opportunities for providers -Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services rolled out its first mobile Medicaid behavioral health crisis program in Oregon, with mobile crisis teams available 24/7 Thank you again to Laura Lovett for focusing on this topic and bringing much-needed attention to the challenges and opportunities in the field, sparking important conversations and advancing progress toward more effective, innovative care models. Read the full article in Behavioral Health Business at the link. https://lnkd.in/eSMF7tgx Colin LeClair #BHB #BehavioralHealthBusiness #behavioralhealth #crisissystems #mentalhealth #crisiscare #ConnectionsHealthSolutions

Check out our latest newsletter, where we break down the five key takeaways from our Redefining Crisis Care webinar! During our recent webinar, Margie Balfour, MD, PhD and Chris Santarsiero, M.B.A. discussed how Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)’s new guidelines, policy changes, and innovative crisis care models are shaping the future of behavioral health. #RedefiningCrisisSystems #CrisisCareReimagined #SAMHSA #RedefiningCrisisCare #ConnectionsHealthSolutions #Mentalhealth #Behavioralhealth #Crisiscare

Don't miss out! Chris Santarsiero, M.B.A., will be speaking at this year's VALUE Conference in New Orleans. This event, presented by Behavioral Health Business, brings together industry experts to explore the future of value-based care in behavioral health. Chris will be presenting, "Regulatory Changes and Policy Updates Shaping Value-Based Behavioral Health Care" alongside Peter Delia and Daniel Patten on March 21—a session you won’t want to miss! Mark your calendar—March 19-21 in New Orleans is your chance to learn, network, and gain valuable insights. Be part of this unique opportunity! https://lnkd.in/e9NfwF84 #CrisisCare #ConnectionsHealthSolutions #Mentalhealth #Behavioralhealth #BehavioralHealthBusiness #VALUEconference

The #988Lifeline helps people experiencing mental health or substance use crises. 988 gives people across the country someone caring to turn to for help in their time of need. Call or text 988 or chat 988Lifeline.org

On Monday, Connections Tucson was honored to receive the prestigious Unit Medal from the Tucson Police Department at their annual award ceremony. This recognition highlights our partnership with TPD and the success of the CARES Program (Case Management for High-Risk Individuals). A huge thank you to the Tucson Police Department for this honor, and to all of our team members who work tirelessly to make a positive difference. Here's to continuing our impactful work together and serving those in need with compassion and dedication. #CommunityPartnership #Tucson #CARESProgram #ConnectionsTucson #ConnectionsHealthSolutions #crisiscare #mentalhealth #behavioralhealth Margie Balfour, MD, PhD Joel Conger Hailey W. Jason Winsky

Last but not least! Thank you again to these thought leaders for joining us at the #OMPerformance Institute last month! ?? Connie Palakodeti, Director Of Clinical Operations, The Little Clinic, Kroger Health Bob Perry, Chief Executive Officer, Fit Drivers Heather Prather, Director Of Customer Success, ContinuumCloud Philip Putnam, MS, J.D., CPPS, Vice President, Risk & Safety, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Jennifer Riha, Chief Strategy Officer, I Am Boundless, Inc. Angela Santiago Roumain, RN, MPH, CPHQ, Vice President Of Medical Operations, denova collaborative health Ivonne Ruiz, Psy.D., Care Coordination Program Director, Citrus Health Network, Inc. Chris Santarsiero, M.B.A., Vice President Of Government Affairs, Connections Health Solutions Greg Santilli, CPA, CIA, Chief Financial Officer, Hillsides Thomas Shurer, MA, MS, Vice President Of Information Resources, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health David Strocchia, Senior Vice President & Managing Director Of Provider Solutions, Netsmart Natalie Tortorello, Chief Operating Officer, Our House, Inc. New Jersey Bonnie Triebig, MS, Clinic Director, Berks Counseling Center LeeAnn W., LPC, LCADC, ACS, Chief Information Officer, CPC Integrated Health Jaimica Wilkins, MBA, CPHQ, ICP, CLSSYB, Vice President Of Quality, Alera Health Brandie Williams, M.Ed, Ed.S, Deputy Executive Director, Rappahannock Area Community Services Board Jane Wintz, Chief Executive Officer, Omni Family of Services (formerly Omni Visions) For a quick recap of the entire institute, click here: https://lnkd.in/eu48FDXf

Over the past 10 years the Tucson Police Department Mental Health Support Team has developed a compassionate and innovative approach to serving individuals with mental health needs. Community partnership is a key ingredient of the program’s success and so we at Connections Health Solutions were honored to be included as team members receiving TPD’s Unit Medal at last night’s award ceremony.

Don't miss tomorrow's webinar on Redefining Crisis Care! No-barrier crisis stabilization centers are revolutionizing behavioral health by providing immediate, specialized care for individuals facing mental health and substance use crises. These centers help reduce reliance on emergency rooms, hospitals, and jails by offering timely, compassionate care in a safe environment. Join Margie Balfour, MD, PhD and Chris Santarsiero, M.B.A.— Connections leaders and key contributors to the updated Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) guidelines—tomorrow, March 4 at 2:30 p.m. ET, for a deep dive into how these no-barrier crisis centers can enhance your crisis care system. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain expert insights and actionable strategies- Register today! https://lnkd.in/eYtVh9tE #RedefiningCrisisSystems #CrisisCareReimagined #SAMHSA #RedefiningCrisisCare #ConnectionsHealthSolutions #Mentalhealth #Behavioralhealth #Crisiscare