The Behavioral Health Committee implements an integrated, cross-system collaboration across the behavioral healthcare field.

The committee meets on a monthly basis, every THIRD TUESDAY from 2:00-3:30p.m.

Objectives:

• to examine potential gaps in services
• analyze cross-system collaboration opportunities
• support local professional development training

PROJECTS - click on link to move to that topic on this page
School-to-Agency Networking Opportunities Initiative
Round Table Discussions
Network of Care for Behavioral Health
Network of Care e-Learning
Professional Development - this link will take you to that page on our site
Additional Links / Resources

“One of the most significant developments for the well-being of children and families in this country is the effort occurring at all levels of governance to link education, health, social services, and other supports that children need. Most often the school is the hub or, at least, one necessary component. Not only is this a more efficient way of delivering services, but it also affirms that children are a part of families and families are a part of communities.”

Goals of Project:

• Decrease health and academic disparities of Allegany and Steuben County residents by increasing individuals’ ability to access services that enhance health, education and personal well-being
• Increase awareness and support of health and human service agency programs as a determinant of health and well-being
• Increase awareness of school-based issues among service providers

Collaborations between schools and service providers are a vital relationship to connect families and youth to resources within the community. The School-to-Agency Networking Opportunities Initiative offers providers an opportunity to share resources and expertise, identify gaps and barriers school personnel encounter when making referrals, and offers opportunities for program marketing and school-based outreach.

“I wish that all the counties I serve could put together a Networking initiative like the one you have created! Thank you!”- Andover Central School event evaluation (Provider)

“It was a great day and I hope to see more in the future. Thanks for the opportunity to share and hear from other agencies in the county - a rare opportunity!” Bath - Haverling Central School event evaluation (Provider)

School districts find School-to-Agency Networking Opportunity Initiatives beneficial by discovering new community programs and services, creating linkages, and increasing awareness about service referral processes.

“It was above my expectations. I was very pleased with the amount of information provided. The experience went above my expectations with the number of agencies that participated and the quality of handouts / information.” Bath - Haverling Central School event evaluation (School Administrator)

Quarterly Behavioral Health Round Table Discussion Sessions are conducted for local behavioral health practitioners and case managers to:

• Provide professional development opportunities
• Establish professional support through peer-review
• Decrease fragmentation of services amongst providers to better empower consumers
• Increase the knowledge of referral resources and services available to clients amongst the various disciplines

Calendar of Upcoming Events

“Round Table Discussions provide real life examples of collaboration options and resources. Also creates awareness of community needs and gaps in services” - Service Provider

“Collaboration is an ever present need for agencies. Round Table Discussions show how each agency may participate in and with the cases. Round Table Discussions uncovered sensitive areas of concern.” - Service Provider

“Round Tale Discussions provide me direction to support the direct care staff I supervise” - Service Provider (Administrator)

Network of Care for Behavioral Health is an online information site for individuals, families and agencies concerned with mental and emotional wellness. Navigate the local Behavioral Healthcare System using this online resource providing critical information, communication and advocacy tools with a single point of entry into Allegany County’s Network of Care for Behavioral Health and Steuben County’s Network of Care for Behavioral Health ( www.networkofcare.org )

Network of Care features:

• Information on local resources and services
• A library of over 4,000 health topics
• Updates on state and federal legislation
• Links to evidence-based, behavioral health websites
• Information on health coverage opportunities
• Information about support and advocacy services
• My Folder- a secure site to store personal health related information

“Recognized as a model program by the President’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health, Network of Care provides vital information to help link consumers to support groups and personal advocacy resources in the community. The site also provides a repository of evidence-based practices – successful, creative ways for communities to respond to their behavioral-health needs.” Network of Care

The nationwide success of Network of Care community websites has led naturally to the creation of an online resource for continuing education of professionals.

Network of Care e-Learning has shown to:

• Dramatically increases efficiency in deploying both online and classroom courses
• Quick and easy tracking and reporting of all activity
• Remarkable cost savings
• Encourages greater compliance and quality control

The Network of Care Learning Management System ( LMS ) enables training managers to develop, deliver, manage and track a wide variety of learning experiences and administrative reporting tasks. All of these services are provided through an internet-based learning portal that Trilogy Integrated Resources hosts and maintains and is made available locally by the Allegany/Western Steuben Rural Health Network, Inc.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES - this link will take you to that page on our site

National Library of Medicine/National Institute of Health
National Institute of Mental Health
National Mental Health Association
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill