Triple Aim program seeks practical approach for better mental health outcomes

ALBANY, NY (04/14/2016)(readMedia)-- A practical and purposeful focus on improving mental health care for all concerned – and at lower per capita cost – is the objective of a unique and important program, Friday May 6. Making It Real: The Triple Aim and Mental Health Care will be presented by a distinguished set of nationally recognized thought leaders to encourage broader implementation of proven best practices.

The Triple Aim seeks the combination of:

1) the best possible experience of care for the patient/consumer;

2) the best improvement in health of the population; and

3) the lowest per capita cost.

The three simultaneous goals have been accepted by much of the health care community for general health care but its embrace has been more elusive for mental health care. This despite the fact that more than 20 percent of the American population suffers from an identifiable form of mental illness, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. The program will advance discussion on ways to achieve better outcomes in mental health challenges using existing knowledge and protocols.

The program will include presentations by Dr. Lisa Dixon, Director of the Center for Practice Innovations at New York Psychiatric Institute, Leon Evans of the Center for Health Care Services in San Antonio, TX; Dr. Jennifer Havens of Bellevue; Stuart Buttlaire, Ph.D, of Kaiser Permanente; Jeb Brown, Ph.D, Center for Clinical Informatics/ACORN and Jonathan Edwards, New York City Behavioral Health Consumer representative.

The program is a collaborative effort of The Mental Health Foundation and the Institute for Behavioral Health Improvements. Both are not-for-profit organizations that place priority on better mental health outcomes without stigma.

"There is a strong set of practical protocols, best practices and knowledge that can produce proven results for individuals, the larger population and at lower per capita cost," said Peter Brown, executive director, Institute for Behavioral Health Improvements. "The purpose of this program is to bring together a broad group of mental health leaders, professionals, providers and advocates to share information and strategies that can make a difference in real lives.

The program will be presented at the Affinia Manhattan Hotel, Seventh Avenue and 31st Street, and will conclude with a networking reception. Learn more and register at www.mentalhealthfoundation.net.

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