Around 300 behavioral health and primary care professionals gathered at the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center in East Lansing, Michigan, on November 16 for the Behavioral Health/Primary Care Integration Conference hosted by Michigan Primary Care Association (MPCA) in collaboration with the Michigan Association of Community Mental Health Boards, Michigan Department of Community Health, Michigan State University, University of Michigan Depression Center, Wayne State University Physician Group, and Medical Management Systems of Michigan, Inc.
Learning sessions focused on the bidirectional integration of behavioral health and primary care services. Topics ranged from the future of medical and mental health collaboration in the framework of the Patient-Centered Medical Home, to long-term care by telepsychiatry, to integrating behavioral health care into a primary care center.
“In Michigan and throughout the country there has been substantial growth in community led efforts to implement integrated care at the patient level; improving the health outcomes, reducing cost, and improving the quality of life for so many individuals. Conference participants had an opportunity to learn from their peers about strategies for building efficient and effective models of care,” said Becky Cienki, MPH, Director of Strategic Planning, Michigan Primary Care Association.
In December MPCA will launch a year-long series of monthly webinars supporting community efforts to expand integrated care. Individuals interested in receiving invitations to these webinars should send an email to bbeard@mpca.net.
