HCQU nurses support new "health home" initiative
Nurses from Geisinger's Health Care Quality Unit (HCQU), a division of Geisinger Community Health Services, are taking part in a new "health home" model at two behavioral health sites in Pennsylvania.  Implemented by the Community Care Behavioral Health Organization, this initiative seeks to reduce high morbidity and mortality rates among people with serious mental illness.  The program provides tools for consumers and providers in support of tobacco cessation, weight management, and management of physical health conditions.

The Behavioral Health Home Plus model was created in collaboration with the Behavioral Health Alliance of Rural Pennsylvania (BHARP), which includes County MH/MR Administrators, Human Service Directors, and Single County Authorities from 23 counties in north central Pennsylvania.  The model promotes the integration of behavioral and physical health services.

The first two project sites are the Columbia/Montour/Snyder/Union (CMSU) Mental Health/Mental Retardation/Drug and Alcohol Program, in Danville, and the Northumberland County Behavioral Health and Intellectual/Developmental Services, in Sunbury.  Plans are underway for Mathematica Policy Research and Community Care to evaluate the effects of this model.

Key components of the health home program include nurses with physical health expertise within the behavioral health system, training of case managers and peer specialists to serve as health navigators, web-based tools for consumers and providers to support wellness and care coordination, and implementation of strategies to engage primary care settings in improved coordination. 

For further information please contact:
Columbia, Montour, Snyder, and Union Counties
Deniel Dreese, RN
Phone: (570)275-4962 x1086
Fax: (570)275-5754
E-mail: dldreese@geisinger.edu

Northumberland County
Debra Carnucio, RN
Phone: (570)495-2155
Fax: (570)988-4991
E-mail: dacarnuccio@geisinger.edu 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Updated ODP Consulting System Website
There is a new online course catalog now available from Health Care Quality Units across the state.  Click here to view the online course catalog.