Monroe, LA (PRWEB) April 14, 2015 -- Northeast Delta Human Services Authority (NE Delta HSA) hosted its annual Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Services Public Forum today with Louisiana DHH officials. NE Delta HSA Executive Director Dr. Monteic A. Sizer welcomed guests and led a dialogue that enabled healthcare providers and other attendees to voice some of the greatest concerns and issues our region faces.
Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals Assistant Secretary/Medical Director, Dr. Rochelle Head-Dunham, MC, FAPA, updated guests in regard to the upcoming fiscal year 2016 transition to the Bayou Health Managed Care Organizations (MCO) model, which goes into effect on December 1, 2015. “We will all have to do business much differently to expand services to our population,” she said. “Our goal is to not only meet our citizens’ needs, but also improve their health outcomes by decreasing morbidity and mortality and increase longevity.”
“We’re working with DHH to effectively navigate this transitional period, making sure our clients are not lost,” said Dr. Sizer. “We’re seeking to build a stronger network which is being delivered every step of the way with our three tenets: greater access to services, delivered by quality, competent providers with excellent customer service.”
“Additionally, we are seeking to establish new service agreements with all five Bayou Health Plan organizations in an effort to maximize service opportunities for our clients,” said Dr. Sizer. “But most importantly, we will strive to utilize innovation and collaboration to ensure that our citizens’ health will prosper across our region.”
NE Delta HSA Director of Clinic Services, Martha Phillips and Regional Prevention Coordinator Jean Hartzog presented the “State of the Region” by explaining substance abuse, addiction and prevention services available to citizens.
Avius Carroll-Zimmerman, NE Delta HSA Research & Development, gave the attendees an update about NE Delta HSA’s Primary and Behavioral Health Integration Model, which is centered around regional partnerships with primary care organizations and hospitals to provide integrated behavioral and primary healthcare services.
At the conclusion of the presentation, Forum attendees had the opportunity ask questions about how changes in statewide healthcare will affect the way they serve consumers.
NE Delta HSA administers its Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant (SABG) from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the federal agency that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation.
To see photos from the Public Forum on our Facebook page, click here.
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About Northeast Delta Human Services Authority (Northeast Delta HSA)
Northeast Delta HSA directs the operation of community-based programs to improve the quality of life of people with major mental illness, developmental disabilities and addictive disorders. Northeast Delta HAS is devoted to deliver programs and services that encourage people to reach their true human potential.
Three tenets guide our efforts: excellent customer service, greater access to services and competent, quality care. Northeast Delta HSA serves citizens in 12 parishes of northeastern Louisiana: Caldwell, East Carroll, West Carroll, Ouachita, Lincoln, Madison, Franklin, Morehouse, Jackson, Tensas, Richland and Union. For more information, please call 318-362-3270.
Media Contact:
Jill Hirsekorn
Northeast Delta HSA Public Information Director
2513 Ferrand Street, Monroe, LA 71201
Phone 318-362-5482
NE Delta HSA Press & Media
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Jill Hirsekorn, Northeast Delta Human Services Authority, http://www.nedeltahsa.org, +1 318-362-5482, [email protected]
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