Laura Appel (center), MHA’s executive vice president of government relations and public policy, is pictured during a panel discussion at SWBH’s 9th Annual Community Health Policy Forum.
Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health (SWMBH) held its 9th annual Community Health Policy Forum on Oct. 4 in Kalamazoo. Moderated by Dr. Colleen Allen, CEO of the Autism Alliance of Michigan, the forum focused on the theme of “Working Together” and discussed the future of health care in Michigan. I did.
The event convened association leaders, policy makers, and behavioral health experts to focus on fostering collaboration, addressing the needs of the people we serve, and promoting whole-person care. .
Laura Appel, MHA’s executive vice president of government relations and public policy, participated in the panel discussion along with Meghan Groen, senior deputy director of behavioral and physical health services at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Dominic Pallone, executive director of the Michigan Association of Health Plans. Philip Bergquist, Chief Executive Officer, Michigan Primary Care Association; State Representative Julie Rogers, Chair of the House Health Policy Committee; We discuss psychiatric residential treatment facilities, opioid settlements, and substance use disorder treatment with Alan Boulter, Associate Director of the Michigan Community Mental Health Association.
SWMBH is a prepaid inpatient health plan serving eight Michigan counties and partnering with community mental health (CMH) agencies in those counties. SWMBH works with CMH and local health care providers to provide care to adults with severe and persistent mental illnesses, children with severe emotional disturbances, individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, and individuals with substance use disorders. Provides mental health services.
The event also included an awards ceremony honoring Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Van Buren County Commissioner Richard Godfrey.
Members with questions about events or SMBH should contact Lauren LaPine at MHA.
