Kristen Cerf’s Post

Top Notch Webinar today "Workforce Solutions Jam" Presented by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, The College for Behavioral Health Leadership and Health Management Associates, hosted by CEO of CBHL, Holly Salazar Topics included: #TeamKentucky's replicable example and leadership in Workforce Innovation and Development in the state through collaborative models, and understnading the need for short term wins but long term investment and development. I wish I could share ALL of my notes with you, but there's not enough characters allowed. 😂 Guests included Tena Robbins, Beth Kuhn, and Dr. Katie Marks commissioner for the state of Kentucky's Mental Health, Developmental and IDD department. A few key takeaways and points worth repeating: ✅ Unlike lots of other medicine and biometrics, Humans are the intervention in mental health, not machines. ✅ Services in Behavioral Health (like anywhere) are only as good as the workforce. ✅ Need for intentional focus on workforce sustainability goes beyond hiring, developing the next generation of providers is essenital. ✅ Collaboration and design of strategies with stakeholders, not shareholders. ✅ Future-facing requires broad investment. ✅ Importance of building trust and generating solutions to avoid workforce poaching. And my favorite: ✅ Behavioral Health Directors / facilitities / entitites NEED workforce strategy experts. This point was repeated multiple times and shared that the biggest regret in the process of Behavioral Health workforce solutions, was not partnering with an expert. "We know Behavioral Health, what we aren't are experts in Workforce ... especially not scaled, sustainable, retention strategies." Other awesome hosts, Paul Fleissner with #HMA echoed the importance of breaking down silos between healthcare and behavioral healthcare as mentioned by #teamKentucky Dr. Gina Lasky shareD #CenterforWorkforceSolutions updates including the "Levers of Change" that will need to be pulled, along with Payment (across many areas including: loan repayment, BH workforce salaries, and ding ding ding: #REIMBURSEMENT). And last but certainly not least Peter Delia, Federal Policy Manger with NatCo shared updates on the following state and house bills: SB330 - Florida: which creates a new "behavioral health hospital teaching designation" for 4 different hospitals in the state within Agency for Health Care Administration #AHCA HB2365 - Illinois: which eliminates the ASWB - Association of Social Work Boards exam for non-independent clinic SW's to be able to more effectively complete the process SB26 - Utah: most notable here, the limits lifted on Psychologist prescribing restrictions, allowing specific and supervised providers a license to prescribe certian antidepressants without Psychiatric signature and SB208 in Alabama: enrolls AL in the #SocialWorkInterstateCompact Lots to digest! Worth going back to watch. #NatCo #behavioralhealth #mentalhealth #mentalhealthcare

As an employee benefits professional, #BlackHistoryMonth is an important time for you to consider the disparities and issues Black/African Americans face inside and outside of your workplace—and commit to driving measurable changes through your company benefits. Check out these 7 ways to improve the experiences and outcomes of Black/African American employees through benefits: 1. Health plans with provider diversity: Help Black/African American employees find health care providers that will help them achieve the best outcomes. 2. Telehealth services: Black/African American patients are 20% more likely to use telehealth services than white patients. 3. Health plan equity: Ask health plans for transparent health equity reporting and about initiatives they’re taking to enhance care access, delivery and well-being in the Black/African American community. 4. Mental health support: Black/African Americans experience trauma and psychological distress on a daily basis, and they’re 1.16 times more likely to screen positive for depression than white people. 5. Flexible work options: Work-from-home options give Black/African American employees the chance to work in an environment free from implicit biases and microaggressions. 6. Childcare support: Black/African American women are nearly two times as likely as white women to have to quit a job, refuse or job offer or greatly change their job because of childcare problems. 7. Voluntary benefits: Voluntary benefits, such as critical illness insurance, hospital indemnity, disability income and accident insurance, allow Black/African American employees to choose benefits that align with the diversity of their needs. Get more details on our blog:

There is a theme in Kelly Gooch's article and we are listening.📢 COOs are focused on workforce challenges, safety, and operational hurdles. With Edgility's arsenal, you're not just responding but setting new benchmarks. ⚡️Don't just navigate the future of healthcare; orchestrate it with Edgility.⚡️ #smartoperations #digitalfrontline #HealthcareDisruption #OperationalRevolution #FutureIsNow #GameChanger Evaline Alessandrini, Steve Baldwin, Ben Carter, Richard DeCarlo, Chad Grant, FACHE, Dr. Nat'e Guyton, DM, RN, MSN, NE-BC, CPHIMS, Brad Hillmon, MBA, Todd Hofheins https://lnkd.in/eNDFhkbP

This is what every Healthcare Organization needs to work on achieving Healthiest Employers.

🏛️ Moving the Needle Toward Change on Capitol Hill 🌟 Had an eye-opening conversation with Jim Klein, President of the American Benefits Council, on the latest episode of Risky Benefits podcast. 🎧 We dove deep into the realm of employee benefits and were blown away by the remarkable bipartisanship that exists on Capitol Hill when it comes to these crucial issues. 🤝 Let's break it down! 👇 💡 From mental healthcare to Telehealth provisions, site neutrality payment reform to greater transparency among pharmacy benefit manufacturers, Roth Catch-Up provision to paid leave - these are just a few topics that have been gaining bipartisan support. It's amazing to see lawmakers coming together for the greater good of employees everywhere. 🌍 🌐 However, our discussion also shed light on the challenges faced in pushing consistent progress beyond the necessary legislative measures. Jim Klein highlighted the influence of political timing and the need for moderate viewpoints to strike a balance and build trust among parties. It's clear that these factors play a crucial role in shaping policy changes. 🚀 🔑 It's vital for us to stay informed and engaged, encouraging our representatives to keep pushing for meaningful change on these bipartisan employee benefits issues. 💪 Together, we can make a difference! Listen now https://fbmc.com/podcast #CapitolHill #EmployeeBenefits #Bipartisanship #PolicyChange #ProgressMatters #RiskyBenefitsPodcast #WashingtonDC #PublicPolicy #Advocacy #MentalHealthCare #Telehealth #Transparency #PaidLeave #StandUnited #CreateChange #BalanceAndTrust #MovingTheNeedle Rick Farris James A. Klein American Benefits Council

At our Movement 2023 conference, Rebecca Burton, lead product manager at BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, shared why BCBS-TN sought out a digital MSK solution for its members, what brought them to Hinge Health, and why they are now considering it for their other lines of business. Watch the full industry panel and read key takeaways from their discussion here: https://lnkd.in/epJH2VNS #DigitalHealth #HealthcareInnovation

Healthcare professionals operate in a high-stakes environment where there's no room for an off day. The quality of our presence directly impacts the care and advocacy we deliver to our patients. So, how can we support each other in showing up at our best? Here are three key considerations: 1. Intentionality: Amidst the demands of our profession, it's crucial to recognize that each of us faces personal challenges. Let's be intentional in acknowledging this and ensuring our colleagues are supported. A simple conversation asking about their well-being or what's new in their life can make a significant difference. When people feel genuinely valued beyond their professional capabilities, they show up with a sense of purpose. 2. Celebration: Take the time to acknowledge and appreciate your colleagues. Sometimes, we overlook the effort and resilience required to excel in our roles. By calling out their contributions and expressing gratitude for their unique skills, we foster a culture of appreciation and mutual respect within the team.
 3. Encourage Self-care: We've all heard the adage, "You can't pour from an empty cup." It's essential to recognize when our team members need to refill their cups. Consider implementing a self-care station in the break room with snacks or a quiet area with calming music. 
These small gestures demonstrate our commitment to the well-being of our colleagues and contribute to a healthier work environment.
Let's remain intentional in our efforts to elevate the workplace for our team. These initiatives not only boost staff morale but also play a significant role in staff retention and recruitment. Together, we can create a supportive environment where everyone thrives.
#HealthcareHeroes #CareForCaregivers #TeamSupport #EmployeeWellness #Show Appreciation #WorkplaceCulture #HealthcareAdvocacy #SelfCareMatters #StaffRecognition #SupportiveEnvironment #Nurturing TeamCulture #EmployeeEngagement #TeamBuilding #PositiveWorkplace #StaffRetention #RecruitmentGoals #HealthcareCommunity #QualityCare #EmpowerHealthcareWorkers #TeamAppreciation #Wellness/nitiative

If you want to be with community, you have to be in community. In 2023, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield set ambitious goals to deepen our impact on the health and well-being of the communities we serve. From expanding access to quality healthcare, launching innovative wellness programs, advocating for equitable transportation and inclusive economic opportunities, to forging stronger partnerships that address social drivers of health, we've taken significant steps forward. In our annual report, you will see first-hand how our mission-driven work is contributing to a future where everyone has an equal opportunity to lead healthier lives. This is some of our most fulfilling and gratifying work—and also the most essential. The partnerships, collaborations, and innovations featured in this report underscore how, as one of the largest not-for-profit healthcare companies in the nation, we are investing in the health and well-being of our employees, members, customers, partners, and communities.   I am proud of the commitment and passion of our CareFirst #DifferenceMakers, the positive impact we're having with and for our communities, and what we can and will accomplish together. To view the full report, please visit: https://lnkd.in/ewbknVeX   #CareFirstCares #CareFirstProud #HealthEquity

On Monday, November 13th at 8:00 am, Dr. Jennifer Michaels of the Brien Center and Pamela Thronton of The Employers Association of the Northeast (EANE) lead a training for business owners, executives and managers on Building a Recovery-Ready Workplace.   Research suggests that the adoption of recovery-ready workplace policies can result in increased productivity, decreased healthcare costs, reduced turnover and related costs, and reduced exposure to substance-related accidents. In addition to making good business sense and helping employees, the adoption of recovery-ready workplace policies permits employers to be a model of community leadership and good corporate citizenship. People in recovery from Substance Use Disorder are often highly motivated team members and an asset to any organization. For staff who may be currently struggling with substances, there are many treatment and recovery options available to them (often covered by insurance) that can help them return to work.   Dr. Michaels will first talk about the fundamentals of addiction and recovery, and how you as leaders can help support that process. Ms. Thornton will then discuss how to craft Human Resources procedures that work holistically with staff while protecting the employer from potential liabilities.  They will also offer additional resources and connections for businesses, and address questions you may have.   The training will take place at the Pittsfield Holiday Inn (1 West Street) and includes a complimentary buffet breakfast starting at 7:30. The presenters will also be available afterwards. Registration is free at this link: bit.ly/3tzs4Sm

Really good quick read on the advances in the physical safety for healthcare workers.