Statewide Community Care Team Forum Hosted at CHA

On Thursday, November 14, the Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA), in collaboration with Carelon Behavioral Health and the Connecticut Behavioral Health Partnership (CTBHP) — which includes the Connecticut Departments of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), Children and Families (DCF), and Social Services (DSS) — hosted a statewide forum for individuals working in community care teams (CCT).

This forum afforded CCTs an opportunity to network with key stakeholders from across the state, celebrate the successes of the CCT model, explore strategies for sustainable funding, and discuss how to optimize the benefits of CCTs for the people they serve.

The event featured presentations from Angie Matthis of StayWell Health Center, Chris Goodman of Hartford HealthCare, and Alicia Petit-Irizarry of South Park Inn.  Matthis addressed the challenges facing every CCT in achieving financial sustainability and the prospects for advocating collectively as a statewide collaborative, drawing from the unique experiences of every CCT to formulate a unified advocacy message.  Goodman and Petit-Irizarry promoted collaboration between CCTs to establish a cohesive, structured format for the delivery of medical, mental health, and social services, including respite services.

Attendees also examined ways to bolster engagement and collaboration with community agencies, expand outreach initiatives to meet individuals where they are, enhance communication channels among organizations, and address staffing shortages and financial headwinds.

Nearly 60 participants joined the meeting.  There are currently 18 CCTs operating in several regions around Connecticut.