Issue 15
August + September + October 2024
Farewell Message
As I tender my resignation as Chief Behavioral Health Officer (CBHO) for Illinois effective Thursday, October 31, 2024, I offer gratitude. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working with you all as kind, gracious, smart, and committed partners. I applaud your commitment to help people with mental health and substance use challenges participate in services, supports and treatments.
My time working alongside immensely talented staff employed by various departments throughout the State and serving under Governor Pritzker has been a great blessing! Serving as both the CBHO and previously as the Director for the Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery have seen record numbers of Illinoisians access treatment for substance use disorder and mental health, particularly accessing medication assisted recovery and accessing the new Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model of care. The partnership and collaboration with trade associations, the Behavioral Health Provider network, and people with lived experience resulted in Illinois being awarded an CCBHC demonstration state grant.
We were equally successful in establishing partnerships with several national behavioral health entities which expanded the behavioral health paradigm in Illinois, resulting in increased integrated care and a unified crisis continuum.
Additionally, we introduced value-based care options, facilitated the integration of the mental health and substance use divisions and will pass on an inaugural behavioral health system report that can serve as a blueprint to continue building a fully integrated health system that equally, as well as through an equity lens, addresses Illinoisians' behavioral health and physical health concerns.
I remain committed to serving Illinoisians even as I depart for Delaware.
Wishing everyone peace and blessings,
David T. Jones
Chief Behavioral Health Officer
Back to School Season
We would like to wish all students, educators, and staff a happy back-to-school season. While going back to school is exciting, it can also be a stressful time for some. If you are experiencing heightened stress and anxiety during this time, remember to take some time for yourself. Self-care looks different for everyone, but some ideas include connecting with loved ones, exercising, fueling your body with proper nutrition, and getting enough sleep.
If you're feeling some tension this back-to-school season, this tip sheet from the National Institute of Mental Health can help you differentiate between stress and anxiety and provide some ideas for how to cope with both. We hope this upcoming school year is filled with learning and success!
National Suicide Prevention Month & World Suicide Prevention Day
September is recognized as National Suicide Prevention Month. World Suicide Prevention Day also falls on September 10th. While suicide prevention should be a prevalent topic year-round, this time gives us a chance to focus on providing necessary resources and coming together to support this incredibly important cause.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 46% of people who die by suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition, but 90% may have experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. Mental health crises can be overwhelming and difficult to navigate. It is crucial to know the warning signs of suicide and have honest conversations with loved ones who you suspect may be struggling. Some of these warning signs include increased substance use, aggressive and reckless behaviors, and withdrawal from family, friends, and community. Any signs of a behavioral health crisis should be addressed quickly and treated as an emergency.
If someone appears to be struggling with suicidal thoughts, there are several free resources available to help. The Suicide Prevention Resource Center provides several resources for those in crisis and those looking to support. This includes prevention plans, toolkits, and online courses. Call or text 988 to be immediately connected to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or visit 988lifeline.org to chat with a mental health professional. You can also text NAMI to 741-741 to be connected with a trained crisis counselor.
National Recovery Month
We also dedicate September to substance use recovery. National Recovery Month focuses on promoting evidence-based treatment options and recovery strategies to help those who are actively struggling with substance use, as well as those who are in recovery. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), seven out of ten adults who have had a mental health condition or substance use condition are in recovery.
Recovery is possible with the correct resources and support. There are a multitude of pathways someone can take to recovery, such as peer support, treatment assistance, and faith-based practices. Although support is crucial to recovery, it is important that the person seeking recovery chooses the path that is most appropriate for themselves. Everyone recovers differently, and many people implement multiple strategies and pathways on their journey to recovery.
For those seeking help for themselves or others, the Illinois Helpline is available for assistance at any time. SAMHSA has a Recovery Month Toolkit that includes several resources for those seeking recovery, as well as infographics and information that can be shared to show support. Mental and substance use disorders are serious conditions that can impact anyone. By sharing resources and showing support, we can all help make a difference in the lives of those who are seeking recovery or in recovery.
Hispanic Heritage Month
National Hispanic Heritage Month spans from September 15th to October 15th. This month celebrates Americans with Spanish, Mexican, Caribbean, Central American and South American heritage. The month begins on September 15th to celebrate Independence Day for the countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. September 16th and 18th celebrate independence days for Mexico and Chile, respectively, and Columbus Day, or Dia de la Raza, falls on October 14th in 2024. The National Hispanic Heritage Month website is a great resource to learn more about the significance of this month, as well as some impactful Hispanic/Latinx people in American history.
During this month, we turn our attention to mental health care and treatment of Hispanic/Latinx Americans. According to NAMI, although Hispanic/Latinx communities show similar vulnerabilities to mental health conditions, they often experience disparities in both access to and quality of treatment. More than half of young adults (ages 18-25) in these communities may not receive treatment for serious mental health conditions. Some barriers to care include language barriers, poverty, lack of health insurance coverage, legal status, and stigma.
Cultural awareness and competency are incredibly important when seeking mental health treatment. A lack of understanding can lead to misdiagnosis and leave a person feeling unheard and discouraged. The NAMI Hispanic/Latinx page provides several strategies and resources for members of these communities seeking culturally competent care in mental health spaces.
A Conversation with Dr. Twin Green from The Link & Option Center
The Link & Option Center Inc. emerged from a deeply personal journey for Founder, resident, and CEO Dr. Twin Green that began in 1994. Driven by her own experiences as a mother facing her sons' emotional distresses. Dr. Green recognized a critical gap in community resources in her South suburban Cook County area for families dealing with similar issues. Her commitment to turning this personal struggle into a source of support for others led to the establishment of the organization. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this past August, The Link & Option Center and its over 30 combined years of experience on the leadership team are dedicated to providing high-quality, coordinated healthcare services through a network of partners, aiming to create an integrated system of care that addresses both behavioral and medical needs. Their mission is rooted in fostering healthy communities through equitable, timely, and easy access to care by providing comprehensive care coordination. They are reflecting their core values of collaboration, support, and holistic well-being.
Dr. Twin Green, a leading figure in the field, recently discussed some of the significant hurdles and future aspirations of her organization. Here's an insightful look into the current state of affairs and the promising future ahead.
Future Goals: Expanding Services and Improving Access
Looking forward, Dr. Green is enthusiastic about several ambitious goals. One major aspiration is to acquire a Mobile Health Clinic. This initiative aims to enhance maternal health services, particularly for at-risk pregnant women who currently lack proper prenatal and postpartum care. Dr. Green highlights the importance of this move and says that a Mobile Health Clinic would bridge the access to care gap in black maternal health and is a convenient approach to access to care turning a high effort visit from a brick-and-mortar model to a low effort visit. For Dr. Green, having a Mobile Health Clinic is essential to the underserved communities The Link & Option Center serves.
Additionally, Dr. Green envisions consolidating the organization's multiple facilities into a larger, more comprehensive Link & Option Center campus. There is a need for a facility that can house all of their services and accommodate the needs of the growing community. This consolidation would streamline operations and make it easier for clients to access the full range of services from a single location.
Celebrating Achievements and Community Support
In August 2024, the organization celebrated its 30th anniversary with an elegant Oscars-themed gala. The event honored 14 distinguished individuals and couples whose work has significantly impacted the community. Dr. Green commended David T. Jones for his outstanding contributions as Chief Behavioral Health Officer. Despite being unable to attend, Chief Jones' achievements were recognized with a heartfelt acceptance speech read at the event.
Another notable achievement is the launch of their Community-Based Doula Program, supported by Meridian Health Plan of Illinois. This program focuses on high-risk mothers and has been instrumental in providing additional support through trained doulas. Dr. Green praises Meridian Health Plan for their generous support, emphasizing the program's broad impact beyond just their health plan members.
This year, the Link & Option Center was accepted into the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Medicaid demonstration program for the State of Illinois. This highly competitive process highlights their commitment to innovation and expanding comprehensive behavioral health care for their community.
Lastly, the organization is proudly featured on South Suburban Pace buses and shelters, promoting their Division of Mental Health (DHS) funded 24/7/365 crisis program, The Quiet Storm. This is a Living Room Program, which offers a calm and private place for individuals to recover from a mental health crisis. This visibility is a testament to their ongoing efforts to provide crucial support and services to those in need.
Dr. Twin Green's insights reflect a resilient and forward-thinking approach to navigating the complexities of healthcare provision, and the power of a mother's will to support her son blossoming into a thriving organization. The Link & Option Center ongoing expansion of services demonstrates a strong dedication to both their staff and the communities they serve.
Update on the Unified Crisis Continuum (UCC)
In a significant step toward enhancing behavioral health crisis management, Illinois has advanced its efforts to establish a Unified Crisis Continuum (UCC). This initiative, spearheaded by Chief Jones in close collaboration with the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS), aims to create a streamlined, effective response system for individuals in behavioral health crises across the state. The concept of the UCC represents a shift in how Illinois addresses behavioral health emergencies, following the National Guideline for Behavioral Health Crisis Care published by SAMHSA in 2020, and leveraging the current strengths of Illinois programs. The UCC standardizes the State's response to center on the individuals and their loved ones experiencing a behavioral health crisis, regardless of insurance coverage, behavioral health condition, or their point of entry.
In August, IDHS completed the legislative requirements for the Strengthening and Transforming Behavioral Health Crisis Care (STBHCC) Public Act Number 103-337, legislation enacted in 2023 to "improve the quality and access to behavioral health crisis services; reduce stigma surrounding suicide, mental health…" among other intentions. The STBHCC work critically aligns with the broader UCC initiative. For those interested in the two reports from STBHCC, they are available on the IDHS website. These reports provide insights into the legislative framework and outline the progress made toward establishing a UCC.
IDHS also contracted with Chartis to complete the financial analysis component of the legislation. This comprehensive process included numerous stakeholder focus groups. A report from Chartis' finding will be released to the general assembly and public this year.
The STBHCC stakeholder committee, led by the CBHO, operated from December 2023 to August 2024. This committee culminated in high-level policy recommendations from the committee members on the creation of a UCC. The recommendations emphasize the need for a cohesive and standardized approach to supporting individuals and their loved ones experiencing a behavioral health crisis which leverage the strengths of Illinois provider network. The stakeholder committee's work will continue under a new name, the Unified Crisis Continuum Stakeholder Committee. These meetings will focus on providing input on the State's UCC planning.
For those with questions or seeking more information, including interest in joining the UCC Stakeholder Committee, inquiries can be directed to OMI.CBHO@uillinois.edu.
Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Updates
The Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Medicaid demonstration is making significant progress in Illinois. The official program launch is set for October 1, 2024, marking the beginning of the demonstration cycle year.
The provisional certification review process for the 19 provider locations involved in the CCBHC demonstration concluded in August. This process included site visits to each location, consisting of case presentations and comprehensive tours. These visits highlighted the hard work done by providers in each CCBHC and their monumental impact. These providers have a lot to be proud of, and these facilities are fulfilling a strong need in their communities.
Providers participating in the demonstration received their individual
Prospective Payment System (PPS) rates, which will be reimbursed to participating demonstration providers as a daily encounter rate when services are delivered to Medicaid eligible customers. HFS is also holding one-on-one meetings with providers as requested, as well as office hours, to help these organizations make their transitions as smooth as possible as they establish CCBHC locations.
In partnership with the CBHO and the Medicaid Technical Assistance Center (MTAC), HFS is also introducing a CCBHC Learning Collaborative this fall. This initiative will offer monthly training and assistance to organizations interested in becoming CCBHCs in the future. The Learning Collaborative is an application-based closed cohort and is a pre-requisite for applying to the Medicaid demonstration in the second year. This effort is being supported by the National Council for Wellbeing, who is contracted with SAMHSA to provide CCBHC training and technical assistance nationally. For more information about the Learning Collaborative, sign up for HFS' provider notices.
As the demonstration prepares for launch on October 1, the CCBHC Advisory Committee continues to meet bi-monthly, providing a platform for stakeholders to offer feedback on the demonstration's design and implementation with the next meeting on October 1. To join this stakeholder committee, please contact OMI.CBHO@uillinois.edu. A CCBHC Data Quality Committee is also in the planning stages.
For further information or assistance related to the Medicaid CCBHC demonstration, reach out to HFS.CCBHC@illinois.gov. A recording of the CCBHC informational meetings and FAQs can be accessed on the HFS website. HFS' most recent FAQ was posted on September 9, including clarifying information on scope of services, designated collaborating organizations (DCOs), managed care, data/metrics/reporting, billing, and payment/funding.
Healthy Chicago Podcast
Illinois' Chief Behavioral Health Officer (CBHO) David T. Jones recently appeared on the The Healthy Chicago Podcast, a show hosted by the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) that aims to make information available about health and wellness in the Chicago area and beyond. In a recent episode, Matt Richards, CDPH's Deputy Commissioner of Behavioral Health, sat down with Dr. Tom Nutter, Chief Behavioral Health Officer for Cook County, and Chief Jones. They discussed a multitude of topics concerning behavioral health care in Illinois, including the emerging work to unify the state's crisis care continuum, the importance of using a consistent approach while still addressing the individual needs of each community, and the design of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) Demonstration launching October 1. CCBHCs will take a more holistic approach to behavioral health care, and provide mental health, substance use, and primary care for all people in one place.
To learn more about behavioral health initiatives at the local, county, and state level, check out this episode of The Healthy Chicago Podcast.
Office of the Chief Behavioral Health Officer
Illinois Department of Human Services
JB Pritzker, Governor · Dulce M. Quintero, Secretary Designate
