Forum will cover changes to mental health services

A new initiative to better serve individuals receiving mental health services from the state will be discussed at an upcoming community forum.

The forum will be held at 9 a.m. Monday at the Queen’s Conference Center Auditorium, 510 S. Beretania St. It will address changes in how health care resources will be provided for those receiving mental health services.

The departments of Health and Human Services will discuss the planned changes to behavioral health services for Medicaid beneficiaries and eligible individuals.

"It’s an opportunity to integrate and expand these services for this very important population," said Lynn Fallin, deputy director of the Health Department’s Behavioral Health Services Administration.

Changes will take effect Sept. 1. Behavioral health stakeholders, lawmakers, service providers and individuals who will be directly affected by the changes are encouraged to attend the forum.

About 4,000 people will be affected by the initiative.

Both departments currently serve Medicaid beneficiaries through their behavioral health programs. QUEST members receive specialized behavioral health services through their QUEST health plans. QUEST Expanded Access members receive services through the DOH Adult Mental Health Division or the DHS Med-QUEST Division Community Care Services program.

Fallin said the consolidated approach will make it easier and less confusing.

In a news release, state Health Director Loretta Fuddy said, "The changes will create a more comprehensive approach to health care, especially for individuals living with mental illness who often experience a shorter life expectancy due to chronic physical health conditions that often go untreated."

Mental health services in Hawaii and nationwide suffered drastic cuts during the economic downturn. Fallin said the state is taking this opportunity to rebuild and restore services.

"It will be an ongoing process," she said.

The Department of Human Services awarded a contract to ‘Ohana Health Plan to provide a single source for the delivery of services, Fallin said.

‘Ohana’s contract took effect in March. The local provider will receive about $9.3 million a year through June 30, 2015, to provide vital services to individuals, according to Kayla Rosenfeld, Human Services spokeswoman.

A video teleconference of Monday’s forum will be available to the neighbor islands at: Hilo State Office Building, 75 Aupuni St.; Lihue State Office Building, 3060 Eiwa St.; and the Wailuku Judiciary Building, 2145 Main St.

For more information, call the Department of Health’s Mental Health Division Provider Relations at 586-4689.