Woodlands Behavioral
Healthcare Network

 CEO Updates:                                       

Date:              06/21/11 

CEO Report

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DCH Updates 

The DCH Budget is set to be signed by the governor today (2 year cycle). The DCH budget is dependent on the passage of the Health Insurance Claims Assessment which is set for legislative review again today.  The HICA provides $400 million in revenue to DCH; without passage- would collapse the DCH budget.  Talking points available please consider contacting your legislator regarding this vital matter.

General Fund  includes $8.4 million reduction to Operations and Administrative funds, using last year's formula.  However, reductions are capped at 4% per board, which would equate to approximately $55,000 for WBHN.  This will be the figure used for budget planning purposes.  Official budget reduction amounts to be released in September.

DCH Dept Director Position (formerly Mike Head) interviews have begun.  DCH Director Dazzo reports that much research and planning have been done regarding the future of the public mental health system, but they will not be releasing any information until after the new director is on board.  Some risks to the public system include potential bid out to other providers (Medicaid HMOs or Commercials) and restructuring of PIHPs. 

PIHP Updates

Woodlands staff continue to participate in the IT Workgroup within the PIHP.  Currently the group is reviewing vendor presentations.  The goal of the group is to assist Kalamazoo and the PIHP administration in choosing a software package.  WBHN does have the option of purchasing new software at this time as well.

The PIHP Recovery Grant has received preliminary approval.  Woodlands will be utilizing some of these funds to hire 2 part-time peer support staff for work in the wellness center and in access.

There will be a Regional Board Meeting on September 9^th at the M-Tec Center at KVCC.   The agenda for this meeting will be 1) presentation by consumers on recovery and the stigma associated with treatment, 2) conversation regarding future focus of the public mental health system.  Please plan to join us  the Woodlands van will be accepting riders!!!

The Administrative Governance Council will be meeting at Woodlands on July 21^st from 10-Noon.  Everyone is welcome to attend.

WBHN Updates

Update: Health Insurance  HB 4572/SB7 would require mandatory contributions toward health insurance.  We continue to investigate whether or not a CMH Authority would be affected by this legislation.

The partnership with Cassopolis Family Clinic is set to begin on July 8^th!   Tonya Cosey, an outpatient therapist, will be providing mental health services to CFC consumers 10 hours per week.   We are so very excited to see this project come to fruition after 2 years.  Next step in the healthcare integration will be the placement of medical personnel in our buildings. 

The Mental Health Foundation meeting will be held next week, June 28th at 10am here at Woodlands.  WBHN will be requesting a one year extension of the Vandalia building lease, with a 50% reduction in lease rate.   The children's staff will plan on moving into the building this summer as part of the service expansion plans.

Substance Abuse Prevention kicked off their Safe Summer Campaign on June 6.  The campaign kickoff was a great success, with participation from key stakeholders in the community, ALL our Legislative representatives as well as press.   Look for the billboard and poster messages in the local community.

Woodlands financial position remains positive and we are beginning to make plans for additional GF spending.  Staff has done an excellent job in maintaining inpatient and residential expenses, which are benefitting the overall agency operations.

Kathy Emans

CEO