CEO Corner - 西瓜视频/ceo-corner/Mon, 28 Feb 2022 17:42:46 +0000en-USSite-Server v@build.version@ (http://www.squarespace.com)西瓜视频 Welcomes New SVP and Chief People Officer, Mickey BlanksDaphne PhillipsThu, 17 Oct 2024 22:43:16 +0000/ceo-corner/2024/10/17/telecare-welcomes-new-svp-and-chief-people-officer-mickey-blanks55f9afdfe4b0f520d4e4ff43:5a57940bf9619a7a6dd58fd4:671191614003c3283a46870b西瓜视频 is delighted to announce the appointment of Warren 鈥淢ickey鈥 Blanks as 西瓜视频鈥檚 new Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer, effective October 14, 2024.

Mickey Blanks, 西瓜视频鈥檚 New SVP and Chief people Officer

Mickey is an accomplished HR leader who comes to 西瓜视频 with nearly three decades of progressive experience at organizations much larger than 西瓜视频. He began as a human resources manager at International Paper and became the Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Beckman Coulter (lab) Diagnostics, where he worked for the last seven years.

At Beckman Coulter, Mickey was responsible for HR leadership for over 11,000 associates in 60 countries worldwide. He was instrumental in achieving 鈥渨orld-class鈥 metrics in Talent Acquisition and Engagement, Talent Development, Turnover, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. He also has a strong foundation in labor relations, change management, compensation and benefits, and communications.

鈥淲e are thrilled to welcome Mickey to 西瓜视频,鈥 said Anne Bakar, 西瓜视频 President and CEO. 鈥淢ickey is a professional with the passion, skill, and experience to accelerate progress on our mission of recovery and our strategic priority for our workforce: 鈥淭o ensure that every person at 西瓜视频 is bolstered with the supports and opportunities they need to realize their full potential.鈥

While Mickey has global HR leadership experience, he lives in Fullerton, California, and has led HR operations across the five states where 西瓜视频 operates. He is passionate about the opportunity to apply his background to a mid-sized behavioral healthcare organization like 西瓜视频, where he sees enormous potential to strengthen the capacity and well-being of our workforce, especially as we grow.

Mickey holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Kean University in New Jersey, a Master of Arts in Labor Relations from the University of Illinois, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Minnesota. He enjoys spending free time with his family and volunteers on committees for the United Way, Habitat for Humanity, and Feed My Starving Children.

Please join us in welcoming Mickey very warmly!

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西瓜视频 Welcomes New SVP and Chief People Officer, Mickey Blanks
西瓜视频 Welcomes New Board MembersDaphne PhillipsThu, 03 Aug 2023 22:17:29 +0000/ceo-corner/2023/08/03/2023-new-board-members55f9afdfe4b0f520d4e4ff43:5a57940bf9619a7a6dd58fd4:64cc1297463aaf530c078617

rich leib, new telecare board member

From Anne Bakar, 西瓜视频 President and CEO

It is my great pleasure to announce the appointment of two new Directors to 西瓜视频鈥檚 Board. Each of these Directors bring vital expertise to our organization that is essential to the success of our mission; following in the footsteps of Emeritus Directors Ken Newman and Dave Kears, who precede them. Rich Leib will help us to navigate the rapidly changing political and policy climate, especially in California. Mike Goodwin will help us to address the radical ways technology can be deployed to enhance our operations, our business results, and our services.

mike goodwin, new telecare board member

Rich Leib is someone many people at 西瓜视频 already know and admire because he has been an invaluable consultant to the company on political and regulatory issues for over 25 years.

He has played an integral role as part of 西瓜视频鈥檚 development team under the leadership of Ross Peterson, Faith Richie, and now Dawan Utecht, ensuring our policy perspective is communicated effectively to key legislators influential in behavioral health as well as the Governor鈥檚 administration. In fact, it was Rich Leib who first introduced 西瓜视频 to former Senator Darrell Steinberg (now Sacramento Mayor Steinberg) and helped us with the statewide campaign to pass Proposition 63 in 2004. More recently, Rich has served with me as a Director of the Steinberg Institute where he has been instrumental in our advocacy efforts around Cal Aim, and legislation such as the MHSA modernization.

Rich was appointed to the University of California Board of Regents in 2018 by Governor Jerry Brown, served as Vice Chair from 2021-22, and was elected Chair of the Board of Regents in 2022. In this powerful leadership role, Rich has elevated the importance of increasing admissions to the CA University system as well as promoting innovation and entrepreneurship at each of the UC campuses.

Rich also has a very successful history of entrepreneurship, building businesses that contract with the government. He spent 15 years as the Executive Vice President and General Counsel for Liquid Environmental Solutions, a company he co-founded and helped grow into the leading non-hazardous liquid waste recycling company in the US. He is also deeply engaged in community activities, such as serving as a Director of the MLK Foundation.

Rich鈥檚 education includes a J.D from the Loyola University School of Law, an M.A. from the Claremont Graduate School, a Fellowship with the Coro Foundation and a B.A. from UC Santa Barbara. He lives with his wife Sharon in San Diego, and is the proud father of three girls, one of whom is a mental health social worker!

Mike Goodwin is a transformational Information Technology Executive we are delighted to know through our Board Chair, Mary Ann Tocio, who served with Mike on the Board of Burlington Stores. She recommended him based on his technology-cyber security expertise, his extensive executive leadership at companies with cultures and scaling challenges familiar to 西瓜视频, and his soft-spoken but very impactful manner as a Board Director.

For the first 8 years of his career, Mike served in the U.S. Army. The next 24 years he worked at Hallmark Cards, Inc, a 100-year-old family- owned company based in Kansas City, Missouri, that grew to over $4 billion during his tenure. He started out as an IT Technology Analyst in 1990 and became the SVP of Information Technology in 2014. With a budget of $120 million and internal staff of 250, he had global responsibility for developing and implementing IT strategies that enhanced operational efficiency, metrics to drive shared business results, and innovative customer-marketing applications.

At the pinnacle of his career at Hallmark, Mike left to become the CIO, SVP of Information Technology at PetSmart, a $7B company (when public in 2014) in Phoenix, Arizona, which grew significantly after transitioning to private equity ownership. In this role, Mike had an IT department of 400 staff and transformed PetSmart鈥檚 customer-facing capabilities by launching new ecommerce and mobile applications that included on-line ordering. Mike retired from PetSmart in 2023. He currently serves on the boards of Burlington Stores, Eckerd Connects and the Strategic Council of Plexus Worldwide.

Mike was attracted to a profession in technology at a young age. In the United States Military Academy, he majored in computer science, and then went on to get an MBA at the University of Kansas. He also holds a NACD Board and Cyber Risk Oversight certifications from the National Association of Corporate Directors.

Mike鈥檚 interest in serving on the 西瓜视频鈥檚 Board stems in part from his concern about the youth mental health crises. He has experience on the Board of two not-for-profit community-based organizations serving kids. In his not-for-profit and for-profit Board roles, Mike brings Audit Committee, Succession Planning and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion expertise. Mike lives with his family in Maricopa County, Arizona.

I am honored to welcome these two outstanding new Board Directors!

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西瓜视频 Welcomes New Board Members
西瓜视频 Welcomes New SVP and Chief Development Officer, Dawan UtechtShea McGuierWed, 10 Nov 2021 15:18:33 +0000/ceo-corner/2021/11/10/telecare-welcomes-new-svp-and-chief-development-officer-dawan-utecht55f9afdfe4b0f520d4e4ff43:5a57940bf9619a7a6dd58fd4:618be0ce020cc568db7a50f2西瓜视频 is pleased to announce the appointment of Dawan Utecht as 西瓜视频鈥檚 new SVP and Chief Development Officer, effective January 3, 2022.

Dawan Utecht, 西瓜视频鈥檚 New SVP and Chief Development Officer

Dawan comes to 西瓜视频 with 30 years of healthcare leadership experience, including 20 years in the private sector.

Most recently, Dawan was Director of Behavioral Health of Fresno County, where she led their transformation efforts for eight years. During her tenure, she grew the department鈥檚 budget to over $350 million and 749 budgeted FTEs. She previously served as President of the California Mental Health Services Authority for several years. Currently, Dawan holds various statewide leadership roles on behalf of the California Behavioral Health Director鈥檚 Association.

鈥淲e are thrilled to welcome Dawan to 西瓜视频,鈥 said Anne Bakar, 西瓜视频 President and CEO. 鈥淏ecause of her outstanding reputation and experience with so many of our California county customers, she can 鈥榟it the ground running鈥 to support our mission of growth, security, partnership, and excellence. More broadly, she understands the financial, operational, and clinical challenges public behavioral health care systems face and is passionate about utilizing 西瓜视频鈥檚 scale and expertise to address their needs effectively, as well as to disseminate best practice nationally.鈥

Dawan brings a private-sector mindset and entrepreneurial spirit that is complementary to 西瓜视频, as well as a shared passion to improve systems and services of care for those who are most in need. Additionally, her background in kinesiology and physical rehabilitation will fuel our efforts to enhance physical and mental health integration.

Dawan also serves on the California Department of Healthcare Services Cal AIM Behavioral Health and Behavioral Health Payment Reform Workgroups, the California Mental Health Services Authority, and participated on the California Future Workforce Commission in 2019.

She holds a Master of Science, Physical Therapy, from Columbia University in New York, and a Bachelor of Science, Kinesiology, from University of California, Los Angeles.

Dawan and her family live in Fresno, California.

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西瓜视频 Welcomes New SVP and Chief Development Officer, Dawan Utecht
西瓜视频 Remembers Alameda Supervisor Wilma ChanShea McGuierMon, 08 Nov 2021 21:04:19 +0000/ceo-corner/2021/11/8/telecare-remembers-alameda-supervisor-wilma-chan55f9afdfe4b0f520d4e4ff43:5a57940bf9619a7a6dd58fd4:618981299815b37155c03413

Wilma chan, center, at 西瓜视频鈥檚 50th anniversary party on april 15, 2015

On behalf of 西瓜视频, we would like to express what a shocking and tragic loss it is to learn of Supervisor Wilma Chan鈥檚 untimely death on Wednesday, November 3, 2021. Supervisor Chan led a courageous and trailblazing career in service to Alameda County residents for more than 30 years, and her devotion to healthcare was especially admirable and impactful. During her six years in the State Assembly, she served as the majority leader and whip. She passed more than 70 bills and resolutions to champion healthcare coverage for all, as well senior services, early childhood education, and landmark legislation to extend affordable health insurance to 800,000 uninsured children in California.

Wilma chan, left, and, anne bakar, telecare鈥檚 president and ceo at telecare鈥檚 50th anniversary party on april 15, 2015

As County Supervisor, Wilma led multiple efforts to support the County鈥檚 safety net hospitals, including Alameda Health System, San Leandro, Alameda, and St. Rose. She championed the Measure A sales tax and launched ALL IN, her signature initiative to reinforce the safety net for all families in Alameda County.

She was an early and consistent advocate for behavioral health and took the time to visit several of our programs, including Garfield Neurobehavioral Center, STRIDES, Willow Rock Center, Morton Bakar Center, Villa Fairmont, Heritage Psychiatric Health Facility (PHF), and Gladman Mental Health Rehabilitation Center (MHRC). She spoke at 西瓜视频鈥檚 50 anniversary six years ago, praising our staff and leaders for their heroic work. She witnessed the ways our behavioral health partnership in Alameda County grew over the decades and took pride in our shared success in overcoming barriers to deliver innovative programs for those most in need.

Wilma Chan was also an inspiration as the first Asian American to serve on our Board of Supervisors and the first Asian American to serve as majority leader in the California State Assembly.

Wilma Chan was a fierce community leader, a distinguished public servant, a valued colleague. Please pause to reflect on her legacy and pay tribute to the ways she elevated us all.

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西瓜视频 Remembers Alameda Supervisor Wilma Chan
西瓜视频 Remembers Jay MahlerShea McGuierFri, 28 May 2021 23:14:00 +0000/ceo-corner/2021/05/28/telecare-remembers-jay-mahler55f9afdfe4b0f520d4e4ff43:5a57940bf9619a7a6dd58fd4:60b1744256b9541aa9c0c03f

Jay mahler listening to the speeches at the oPENING OF TELECARE'S JAY MAHLER RECOVERY CENTER ON OCTOBER 29.

We at 西瓜视频 are deeply saddened by the passing of Jay Mahler, whose advocacy changed the way we view and treat mental health.

鈥淛ay Mahler was such an inspiration to me,鈥 said Marcelo Cavalheiro, Regional Director of Operations at 西瓜视频 for Los Angeles. 鈥淢y favorite thing about Jay was his t-shirt buttons 鈥 he would wear all his causes on his clothing! He was well known in the national consumer movement, and many of the positive changes we鈥檝e seen recently were championed by him. He was one of the first peer staff I ever met.鈥

Since the late 1960s, Mr. Mahler has been a tireless champion for mental health consumers. He helped found Mental Health Consumer Concerns and California Network of Mental Health Clients, was appointed by the Governor to the California Council on Mental Health from 1979-1985, and served on the Alameda County Mental Health Advisory Board, the Fairmont Hospital Advisory Board, and the Eden District Mental Health Committee. Mr. Mahler was also the first Consumer Relations Manager in Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services (ACBH) from 2006 until 2012 and founded the Pool of Consumer Champions (POCC) in 2006.

JAY MAHLER GIVING A SPEECH AT THE OPENING OF TELECARE'S JAY MAHLER RECOVERY CENTER ON OCTOBER 29.

西瓜视频 had the privilege of working with Mr. Mahler in 2015 when Alameda County designed and opened the Jay Mahler Recovery Center, a brand new, beautiful, recovery-focused crisis residential facility on the same campus Mr. Mahler received treatment at in the 1960s.

front entrance to the Jay Mahler Recovery Center.

Today, 西瓜视频 continues to operate the Jay Mahler Recovery Center and it continues to serve as an example of the progress that has been made in providing respectful, empowering services, and the incredible work Alameda County has done and continues to do to advance the standard of care. The program opened on November 9, 2015.

鈥淛ay Mahler is and was a man of hope, happiness, wellness, advocacy, integrity, devotion, commitment, recovery, healing, and wealth in health,鈥 shared a former client from the Jay Mahler Recovery Center whom Mr. Mahler worked with on their recovery journey. 鈥淗e remains not just in my heart, but the people he came in contact with through different counties, especially Alameda and Contra Costa counties, spreading the good news of advocacy, support, and recovery.鈥

bright and modern interior of the jay mahler recovery center.

The staff at Jay Mahler Recovery Center feel the same. They shared their collective appreciation in the following statement.

鈥淪ince 2015, Jay Mahler Crisis Residential Facility has been honored to be named after an individual who dedicated his life supporting consumers and peer-led initiatives in the local Bay Area. Mr. Jay Mahler envisioned a homelike environment that provided hope and benefited people experiencing mental health crisis in a voluntary setting. Jay Mahler Crisis Residential has worked to honor his legacy and fulfill his life鈥檚 passion by providing care and promoting support and mental health wellness services. On behalf of 西瓜视频 Jay Mahler staff, we thank him for all he has contributed and the positive impact he has provided.鈥

From our homelike environments to our peer workforce, Mr. Mahler鈥檚 advocacy and work have had such a profound impact on the way 西瓜视频 serves its members. We thank the 西瓜视频 staff who are continuing to serve his legacy today, and we thank Alameda County for their commitment to the work Mr. Mahler was spearheading.

We are so honored to have known Mr. Mahler. He will be deeply missed.

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西瓜视频 Remembers Jay Mahler
Anne Bakar Elected to Board of Steinberg InstituteDaphne PhillipsWed, 05 May 2021 17:38:37 +0000/ceo-corner/2021/05/anne-bakar-steinberg-election555f9afdfe4b0f520d4e4ff43:5a57940bf9619a7a6dd58fd4:6092b76662282b4f8b0798ceIt is with great pride that we share 西瓜视频 President and CEO Anne Bakar鈥檚 recent election to the Board of the . The Board has expressed their excitement to have Anne and 西瓜视频鈥檚 breadth of expertise support the important aims of the Institute, and to make a broader contribution to policies on a state and national level. Building on decades of friendship, partnership, and collaboration 鈥 reaching back to the Mental Health Services Act in 2004 鈥 Anne looks forward to continuing this vital work with Mayor and former State Senate Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, as well Dr. Tom Insel and the .

darrell steinberg and anne bakar

Dr. Tom insel, anne bakar, and patrick kennedy

鈥淎nne brings decades of behavioral health provider experience to the Steinberg Institute, leading an organization of workers who do whatever it takes to serve the most vulnerable populations,鈥 said Dr. Tom Insel, Chairman of the Board at the Steinberg Institute.

The Steinberg Institute is a strong leader in state and national mental healthcare arenas, both as an educational and innovative resource for mental health providers and systems, and as a compelling influence on state and national mental health legislation sponsorship. Working to change and improve the way brain health is addressed in our systems of care, the Institute is a powerful locus which brings together thought leaders, legislators, and other champions of mental health in order to advance their mission of sound public policy and inspiring leadership on issues of brain health.

Since being founded in 2015, the Institute has made decisive gains, with bi-partisan support, in the areas of prevention and early intervention in mental illness; housing and treatment for homeless people living with mental illness; peer certification; crisis support services; veterans support services; workforce; law enforcement training; suicide prevention; and college mental health services.

As the Institute looks forward into 2021, the focus shifts to a more unified statewide vision for mental health care services. Anne looks forward to joining the Board in this effort and sharing 西瓜视频鈥檚 collective knowledge and the expertise gained over 50 years of public/private partnership across five states and 40+ counties.


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Anne Bakar Elected to Board of Steinberg Institute
西瓜视频 Welcomes New Board Members: Bruce Nardella and Patricia Golden WebbDaphne PhillipsMon, 12 Apr 2021 17:39:55 +0000/ceo-corner/2021/04/12/new-board-members-202155f9afdfe4b0f520d4e4ff43:5a57940bf9619a7a6dd58fd4:607485252982a33b25d3a2cf西瓜视频 is delighted to announce the recent appointments of two new leaders to our Board of Directors:

bruce nardella

Bruce Nardella, former President and CEO of The MENTOR Network, and Patricia Golden Webb, former Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer for CommonSpirit Health.

patricia golden webb

鈥淲e are thrilled to welcome Bruce and Patricia to our board,鈥 said Anne Bakar, 西瓜视频 President and CEO. 鈥淏ruce and Pat will elevate our capacity to deliver quality behavioral healthcare services, adapt our organization to address future opportunities and challenges, and create a more diverse and inclusive workplace. We are honored to have them on our team, energized by their passion for our recovery mission, and fortified by their experience leading mission-driven health care organizations of larger scale and scope.

Bruce Nardella

Appointed to 西瓜视频鈥檚 Board of Directors in November 2020, Bruce will be a tremendous resource as we expand our presence and capacity for serving individuals with mental illness and developmental disabilities. He brings deep healthcare operations experience as a former CEO/COO and director of the Mentor Network for over two decades; and previously, as Deputy Commissioner for the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services. As CEO of the Mentor Network, Bruce was responsible for the strategic direction, growth, and quality service delivery of a $1.5 billion corporation providing services to over 30,000 individuals annually across 36 states. This includes services to at-risk youth, adults with developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injuries, and frail elders. Bruce began his career in human services 40 years ago providing direct care to youth in a shelter for boys involved in the juvenile justice system. He was awarded the Bradford Fellowship to Harvard University鈥檚 Kennedy School of Government. He also holds an M.P.A. From Harvard University, an M.Ed. from Boston University, and a B.A. from Colgate University.

Patricia Golden Webb

Appointed to 西瓜视频鈥檚 Board of Directors in March 2021, Pat brings a wealth of healthcare and hospital systems experience nationally that will help us develop our population care strategy and strengthen our human resource and administrative infrastructure. As a board-level leader in health care, she formerly served as Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer for Chicago-based CommonSpirit Health, one the nation鈥檚 largest health systems with 150,000 employees, 800+ locations nationally, and revenues of $29.2 billion. In her role, Pat co-led the national integration effort of Catholic Health Initiatives and Dignity Health. During her nine-year tenure with CHI, Pat led the dual functions of Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Human Resources Officer, which encompassed the company鈥檚 entire operation. Additional areas under her direction included the company鈥檚 marketing, communications, and diversity and inclusion initiatives. She holds an M.S. degree from the University of North Florida in Business and Human Resource Management, and a B.S. from Florida A&M University in Management and Marketing.


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西瓜视频 Welcomes New Board Members: Bruce Nardella and Patricia Golden Webb
California Expands Access to Behavioral Health ServicesShea McGuierThu, 01 Oct 2020 14:18:19 +0000/ceo-corner/2020/9/30/california-expands-access-to-behavioral-health-services55f9afdfe4b0f520d4e4ff43:5a57940bf9619a7a6dd58fd4:5f74ebf8d774a703f036a479

On September 25, 2020, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed three bills into law to advance access to behavioral health services throughout the state. These bills are set to standardize training for peer professionals (), allow Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) funds to be used for substance use treatment services (SUTS) (), and expand the legal definition of Mental Health Parity to include SUTS ().

We are energized and encouraged to see these laws get signed during a time when the need for access to behavioral health services is so critical, and yet resources are limited due to a nationwide staff shortage and the wide-ranging impact of COVID-19.

These new laws will also be important at 西瓜视频 in advancing the care we are able to provide to the people we serve.

SB 803: Peer Support Specialist Certification Act of 2020, establishes a statewide certification program for peer support specialists and provides the structure needed to maximize the federal match for peer services under Medi-Cal. The program defines the range of responsibilities and practice guidelines for peer support specialists, specifies required training and continuing education requirements, determines clinical supervision requirements, and establishes a code of ethics and processes for revocation of certification.

SB 803 will elevate the importance of the Peer Professional role in care and will help create standards 西瓜视频 will use moving forward as we make progress toward our goal of having at least two full-time equivalent (FTE) Peer Professionals in every program by the end of 2020. We are also continuing to push forward with innovative program models that elevate the role of Peer Professionals in our work, including our newest service, a peer navigation program which opened in San Joaquin County on October 1, 2020. California Peer Certification will not only support the strengthening of skills and knowledge of our current and future Peer Professional workforce, but it will also validate and solidify Peer Support Services as a valuable behavioral health service by the addition of a Peer Support Services billing code as part of the California State Medi-Cal plan of services. 

The Department of Health Care Services will have two years to set up the Peer Support Specialist Certification Program (2021 鈥 2022).

The other legislation that passed, AB 2265: Use of Funds for Substance Use Disorder Treatment and SB 855: Mental Health Parity, address the ongoing need to incorporate and expand substance use treatment as an essential part of treating the whole person. In 2017, 西瓜视频 made a commitment to expanding our services to individuals with co-occurring substance use needs. Since then, we鈥檝e added new programs and models of care specifically for SUTS, including two recently opened 鈥渟obering centers鈥 in Kern County, CA 鈥 Delano Recovery Station and Bakersfield Recovery Station. We will also soon open four new SUTS programs in Orange County.

We are grateful for the leadership and committed advocacy of Sacrament Mayor Darrell Steinberg, Senator Jim Beall (D-San Jose), Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), Assemblywoman Sharon Quick-Silva (D-Fullerton), and the countless others who continue to push the needle forward on accessing comprehensive behavioral health care for all communities.

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California Expands Access to Behavioral Health Services
Honoring Alameda County Healthcare HeroesDaphne PhillipsSat, 25 Jul 2020 02:19:43 +0000/ceo-corner/2020/7/22/telecare-remembers-gail-steel-bert-lubin55f9afdfe4b0f520d4e4ff43:5a57940bf9619a7a6dd58fd4:5f1b95f77fbac53ab4d48ba4

Alameda County has lost two of its biggest Healthcare Heroes with the recent passing of both Gail Steele, former Alameda Supervisor, and Dr. Bertram Lubin, former President & CEO of Oakland鈥檚 Benioff Children鈥檚 Hospital. Both were outstanding advocates for the citizens of Alameda County, and we at 西瓜视频 honor their contributions and are deeply saddened by their passing.

Former Alameda County Supervisor, Gail Steele, was an unwavering advocate for children and those who are most vulnerable, including many of those we serve at 西瓜视频. She became a towering figure in the East Bay political landscape, including serving for 18 years on the Alameda County Board of Supervisors. She relentlessly campaigned for improved mental health services, juvenile justice reform and more access to healthcare for the county's residents, especially the poor. She became a close partner with 西瓜视频 over the years, and we valued her trust and support. Her influence was felt deeply in the way we provide services to Alameda County.

Dr. Bertram Lubin, former President and CEO of UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital in Oakland, was also an ardent supporter of children's health and wellbeing as a physician and a hospital leader, and had a huge impact on countless children and adults. In his more recent role as CEO of Oakland's Children鈥檚 Hospital, he worked to build awareness of the need for greater behavioral health services for kids. His tremendous optimism, humility, and empathy, along with his energy and vitality, made him a magnetic and inspirational figure to us at 西瓜视频 as we developed our services to Transitional Age Youth and children. His dedication to the children and people of Oakland will be enormously missed.

We thank these Healthcare Heroes, and offer our deepest gratitude for their leadership.


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Honoring Alameda County Healthcare Heroes
西瓜视频 Remembers Bill AnthonyDaphne PhillipsWed, 22 Jul 2020 22:48:10 +0000/ceo-corner/2020/7/22/telecare-remembers-bill-anthony55f9afdfe4b0f520d4e4ff43:5a57940bf9619a7a6dd58fd4:5f18bfd507fc0014c7296b6bWe at 西瓜视频 are very saddened by the passing of William Anthony, Ph.D.

Over his 40-year career as a psychologist, Dr. Anthony made significant contributions to the psychiatric rehabilitation movement and provided the inspirational leadership to ensure the possibility of recovery for those we serve. We were honored to have collaborated with Bill on several projects, including the early days of the RCCS and 西瓜视频鈥檚 No Force First Initiative, which later transformed into our Healing Environments and Trauma Informed Care efforts. Bill also presented at 西瓜视频 Leadership Conferences and visited some of our programs.

from left: joan meisel, telecare board member; doug kerr, consultant; anne bakar, president & CEO; bill anthony, keynote speaker at 2007 leadership conference

He was a transformative figure in the efforts to move the fields of psychiatry and mental health systems from focusing on diagnoses to embracing the principles and practices of psychiatric rehabilitation and recovery. Bill believed that clients鈥 recovery goals should come before system or provider goals; his insistence upon the expectation of recovery and importance of rehabilitation impacted hundreds of thousands of lives over the span of his career.

We are grateful for Dr. Anthony鈥檚 principled leadership and countless contributions to 西瓜视频, the field of psychiatric rehabilitation and recovery.

He will be missed; his legacy will live forever.

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西瓜视频 Remembers Bill Anthony
西瓜视频 2019 All Leader ConferenceShea McGuierMon, 25 Nov 2019 17:41:58 +0000/ceo-corner/2019/11/25/telecare-2019-all-leader-conference55f9afdfe4b0f520d4e4ff43:5a57940bf9619a7a6dd58fd4:5ddc126cb9b6bf64489b6921  

In early November 2019, 西瓜视频 was honored to welcome Patrick Kennedy and Tom Insel, MD, as speakers at our All Leader Conference in Oakland, CA.

Our leadership staff were joined by a wonderful group of long-term 西瓜视频 customers, stakeholders, and family and consumer advocates, to think about the future of behavioral health 鈥 and how we can individually and collectively make our systems and services more powerful and empowering for the people we serve.

Our interactions with Patrick and Tom left us newly energized to rise to the challenge. We hope you feel the same way, too.



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西瓜视频 2019 All Leader Conference
California Workforce Commission Final ReportKaila DeRienzoMon, 22 Apr 2019 19:35:12 +0000/ceo-corner/2019/4/8/california-workforce-commission-amp-behavioral-health55f9afdfe4b0f520d4e4ff43:5a57940bf9619a7a6dd58fd4:5caac8a615fcc0da6e5e3c6a

Anne Bakar, 西瓜视频鈥檚 President and CEO, had the honor of being named a Commissioner of the California Future Health Workforce Commission at its inception in late 2017.

She is the only commissioner who brought a dedicated behavioral healthcare perspective to the Commission. In that capacity, she successfully advocated for specific behavioral health workforce recommendations that were included among the

These include the following final recommendations:

  • Expand the number of psychiatric residency positions in the state. This would enable California to add 2,202 psychiatrists to its workforce by 2030. This effort is part of a larger priority to expand residency positions for both primary care and psychiatry. The investment required to complete this work is estimated at $1.562 billion over ten years. In ten years, California is currently expected to have 41% fewer psychiatrists than it needs. From a behavioral health perspective, this effort will be critical in helping California fill the gap in care with psychiatrists and other prescribers.

  • Develop a psychiatric nurse practitioner program that recruits and trains providers to serve in underserved rural and urban communities. This would enable California to provide treatment to more than 350,000 patients over five years.

  • Scale the engagement of peer providers through certification, training, and reimbursement. This would enable people with mental illness and substance use disorders to get support from people with lived experience, which supports better outcomes and promotes recovery and self-sufficiency.

What鈥檚 Next for the Workforce Commission and the Final Recommendations?

The Commission has made its report (executive summary ) available to California鈥檚 Governor, legislators, media, and key stakeholders across many diverse systems, from education to healthcare, and beyond. Workforce Commissioners, including Anne, continue to be actively involved, advocating for the Commission鈥檚 recommendations around California.

The Commission is actively supporting and advocating for important pieces of legislation that can advance the identified behavioral health priorities. These include:

  • (): Establishing a peer certification process to enable people with lived experience of mental illness to help others

  • (): Letting nurse practitioners do the work they have been trained to do

Finally, the Commission has also recommended establishing a statewide infrastructure, starting in 2019, to implement the recommendations in partnership with stakeholders, monitor progress, and to adjust as needs and resources change.

What鈥檚 Next for 西瓜视频?

In her role as President and CEO of 西瓜视频, Anne Bakar leads a hands-on provider organization, with more than 3,700 staff members serving nearly 30,000 individuals per year with complex behavioral health needs. In this capacity, Anne has also been leading 西瓜视频鈥檚 efforts to implement strategies to build and enrich its own health workforce.

Some of these efforts include:

  • Establishing a to help recruit and manage our workforce of psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, and other medical staff.

  • , which has been especially helpful in more rural areas

  • to help 西瓜视频 hire more than 2,000 new staff by 2020. Our plan includes not only hiring new staff, but cultivating leadership and growth for our existing staff at all levels.

  • Working to meet our goal of having two peer staff in all 西瓜视频 programs by 2020.

  • Creating a peer support job family and career ladder to foster personal growth into diverse roles from peer recovery specialists to peer teams leads, and more.

There is more work to do in the years ahead, but we are encouraged and optimistic to be taking steps toward improved care, increased access, and a more skilled, diverse staff who can deliver that care with compassion, confidence, and cultural humility.

More Information:


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Mental Health Delivery: The Global ForefrontShea McGuierWed, 28 Feb 2018 20:33:00 +0000/ceo-corner/2018/3/27/mental-health-delivery-the-global-forefront55f9afdfe4b0f520d4e4ff43:5a57940bf9619a7a6dd58fd4:5aba9c4c0e2e721f8a4413b3

Senator Richard Pan (D-Sacramento), far left, hosts a forum at the state capitol on february 28, 2018. .

On February 28, 西瓜视频鈥檚 President and CEO, , presented at Mental Health Delivery: The Global Forefront, a forum hosted by Sen. Richard Pan (D-Sacramento) in partnership with the at the California state capitol. Anne鈥檚 presentation focused on system innovations that have been taken to scale in California as a result of MHSA and SB82 funding. In particular, she highlighted the success of Full Service Partnership programs (FSPs) and crisis programs which California counties have deployed in partnership with providers like 西瓜视频.

鈥淭he goal of the briefing was both to educate and inspire,鈥 . 鈥淲ith bold new leadership in key sectors of the mental health community, California stands at a pivotal juncture to transform and advance our own system of care. We believe there are lessons for our state in understanding how these innovators have succeeded in shifting the tide.鈥

In addition to Anne, the forum featured Dr. Roberto Mezzina, Director of the in Trieste, Italy; Dr. Nicole Sherren, Scientific Director of the in Canada; Dr. Pat McGorry, Executive Director of ; Dr. Anne Sullivan, Commissioner of the N.Y. State Office of Mental Health; Dr. Steven Adelsheim, Director of the ; and John Boyd, Chair of . In attendance were other state legislators, Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), District 6 Assemblyman Kevin Kiley, and Sacramento鈥檚 Mayor Darrell Steinberg.

Below is a brief summary of Anne鈥檚 presentation. You can view the entire forum video by , and download a copy of Anne鈥檚 presentation by .

Full Service Partnership (FSP) Programs

  • Funded by the MHSA and tied to specific outcomes, FSPs have dramatically contributed to reductions in hospitalizations, incarcerations and homelessness statewide. Statewide, approximately 30,000 individuals per year have been able to make strides in their recovery due to services funded by the MHSA.

  • Demonstrated success serving co-occurring and complex populations, including those with significant substance use and justice involvement.

  • Represents an innovative model which was taken to scale because of state leadership.

鈥淧ay for Success鈥

  • 西瓜视频 is honored to run the nation's first Pay for Success behavioral healthcare program, located in Santa Clara County, CA.

  • Introducing value-based performance measures into the behavioral health field

  • Has more than paid for itself through positive outcomes; over $500k to date contributed to the system of care.

SB82 Investment in Mental Health Wellness

  • Sponsored by Senate Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, SB82 provided both capital and operating state funds to create comprehensive systems of crisis services using proven program models.

  • These programs have been very successful reducing the need for emergency hospital care and discharging individuals back to their community setting.

  • 西瓜视频鈥檚 crisis residential and crisis stabilization programs in Riverside County are outstanding examples of how counties have deployed these funds creatively.

 

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Growing the Mental Health Workforce: Building Capacity Through InnovationShea McGuierWed, 31 Jan 2018 21:29:00 +0000/ceo-corner/2018/3/27/growing-mental-health-workforce55f9afdfe4b0f520d4e4ff43:5a57940bf9619a7a6dd58fd4:5abaa53203ce64ccf12a6b49

Anne Bakar, 西瓜视频's President and CEO, presenting at the California Future Health Workforce Commission. .

西瓜视频 CEO Anne Bakar, speaking as a commissioner and advocate for mental health policy, recently presented some the efforts of the at a special forum hosted by the and . The forum explored the challenges facing California鈥檚 mental health workforce and innovative strategies for rethinking and adapting traditional models of care. In attendance were representatives for leading policymakers, health organizations, hospital systems, research institutes, government agencies, mental health providers, and advocacy groups.

In addition to Anne, the forum featured presentations from Darrel Steinberg, Steinberg Institute founder and Mayor of Sacramento; Dr. Patrick Courneya, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Kaiser Permanente; Dr. Don Mordecai, National Leader for Mental and Behavioral Health at Kaiser Permanente; Joe Parks, M.D., Medical Director,; Karen Larsen, LMFT, Director, ; Beth Phoenix, RN, PhD, FAAN, Vice-Chair, Dept. of Community Health Systems, ; Susan Chapman, RN, PhD, FAAN, Professor, UCSF School of Nursing; David Liu,  Faculty Physician, ; Scott Zeller, M.D., Vice President, Acute Psychiatric Medicine, ; & Seth Thomas, M.D., Director of Quality and Performance, Vituity; and Glen Moriarty, CEO and Founder, .

As a commissioner, Anne communicated the key Workforce Commission strategies that are being recommended for behavioral health:

  • Enhance behavioral health professions education
  • Support educational/career pipeline for unlicensed staff
  • Remove workforce licensing and technology barriers
  • Advance models of integrated care

Anne advocated specifically for legislation regarding:

  • Peer certification
  • Continuing MHSA Workforce Education and Training (WET) funding
  • Full scope of practice for nurse practitioners (NPs)

You can view the entire presentation by or scrolling through the slideshow to the above right. You can download the forum鈥檚 resources and agenda by .

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Advocacy EffortsDaphne PhillipsFri, 26 Jan 2018 00:54:18 +0000/ceo-corner/advocacy-efforts55f9afdfe4b0f520d4e4ff43:5a57940bf9619a7a6dd58fd4:5a692e73e4966b51f6aa5003西瓜视频鈥檚 President and CEO, Anne Bakar, is honored to be participating in the future-focused efforts of two important groups: The California Future Health Workforce Commission and the Kennedy-Satcher Center for Mental Health Equity.

Anne is privileged to work alongside other leaders in the fields of health and mental health care, as well as state and national political leaders, as the groups plan, prepare for, and promote a new era of mental health equity, decreased stigma, and a robust, capable, diverse workforce.


California Future Health Workforce Commission 

As we move further into the twenty-first century, the field of behavioral healthcare continues to advance alongside physical healthcare, requiring new skills, knowledge, and expertise. 西瓜视频's President and CEO, Anne Bakar, is honored and pleased to have the opportunity to serve as a California Future Health Workforce commissioner.

The Commission was funded by several large California healthcare foundations to develop a strategic plan to build the future healthcare workforce. This plan will include a set of practical short-, medium-, and longer-term solutions that can be adopted and implemented by the state, educational institutions, employers, and other stakeholders to address current and future gaps in the health workforce.

Along with other behavioral health leaders, Anne is also serving on the Behavioral Health Subcommittee to make recommendations to the broader Commission. As part of her work on the subcommittee, Anne is advocating for improvements such as enhanced behavioral health professions education, support for education and career development for unlicensed staff, removal of licensing and technology barriers for the future workforce, advancement of integrated care models, Peer Support Specialist Certification, and behavioral healthcare pay parity.


Kennedy-Satcher Center for Mental Health Equity

(L-R): Ayanna Smith (MSM), Shemeka Dawson (MSM), Jerry Reed (NAB), Saul Levin (NAB), Joe Pyle (NAB), Anita Everett (NAB), Sharon Rachel (MSM), Glenda Wrenn (MSM), Patrick Kennedy, Arthur Evans (NAB), David Satcher, Nathaniel Counts (NAB), Mary Giliberti (NAB), Chirlaine McCray (NAB), Vivek Murthy (NAB), Anne Bakar (NAB), Eve Byrd (NAB), Carol McDaid (NAB), LeRoy Reese (MSM), Liz Camacho (MSM), Victor Ede (MSM), Megan Douglas (MSM), Sayon Cooper (MSM)

As the national conversation about healthcare continues to evolve, we must raise our voices and advocate for equal access, coverage, and care standards for mental healthcare.

The Kennedy-Satcher Center for Mental Health Equity (KSCMHE) was jointly envisioned by the 16th U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. David Satcher, and former U.S. Representative Patrick J. Kennedy (D-RI) to further discussion of the most important challenges and opportunities for advancing best practices and policies for people living with mental health and substance use disorders. Building on their longstanding relationship and shared commitment to promoting mental health parity and health equity for people living with mental health and substance use disorders, the Center, led by Director Glenda Wrenn, is a clear voice advocating for those we serve.

Anne Bakar is honored to serve on the , working closely with other national healthcare leaders to promote mental health equity on a national scale. The most recent Board meeting was held on November 27th, at the historic Morehouse School of Medicine.

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Advocacy Efforts
Anne Bakar Honored by Alameda Board of SupervisorsDaphne PhillipsThu, 18 Jan 2018 01:14:17 +0000/ceo-corner/alameda-board-of-supervisors-honor55f9afdfe4b0f520d4e4ff43:5a57940bf9619a7a6dd58fd4:5a5ff4efec212d0970dd5806

(L-R) Supervisor Scott Haggerty, District 1; supervisor nate miley, District 4; Anne bakar, telecare president and ceo; supervisor wilma Chan, District 3; Supervisor Richard Valle, District 2. Not pictured: Supervisor Keith carson, District 5. 

西瓜视频 , was honored by the on January 9th, 2018, for her leadership in providing excellent mental health services in Alameda County.

Alameda County Board of Supervisors President, Wilma Chan, commended Anne for her strong advocacy for mental health, for her partnership with Alameda County since joining 西瓜视频 in 1987, and for her success in guiding 西瓜视频鈥檚 expansion through turbulent healthcare cycles over the years. During Anne's tenure, 西瓜视频 has grown from five Northern California inpatient programs in 1987, to more than 100 programs in eight states today.

Supervisor Chan also congratulated Anne on her for taking over as CEO of 西瓜视频 30 years ago and building the company into a 鈥渘ational powerhouse.鈥

Anne was also recognized by the Board of Supervisors for her work in numerous civic and community activities, including volunteering for the National Council of Behavioral Health, the World President鈥檚 Organization, and the Jewish Community Federation, and advising the UC Berkeley School of Public Health and the UCSF Benioff Children鈥檚 Hospital in Oakland, CA.

In closing, Anne addressed the Board of Supervisors, saying, 鈥淚t never would have been possible if I had not had the support of this board and the collaboration from this county. I want to genuinely thank you for your belief and support in making these types of programs happen.鈥

西瓜视频 has partnered with Alameda County since the late 70鈥檚 to provide a wide array of inpatient and outpatient services. Anne Bakar led the organization鈥檚 successful expansion through turbulent healthcare cycles over the years. We are very, very proud to have worked with her and are really impressed with the 西瓜视频鈥檚 programs and the wonderful staff.
— Supervisor Wilma Chan, President
Anne took 西瓜视频 and she turned it into something very special. And I know that her father is certainly looking down and is extremely proud of what Anne has built; but more importantly, he would be proud of the much-needed services that she (and 西瓜视频) provide on a daily basis to people that are in need. That was the mission of 西瓜视频. That鈥檚 why her father started the business, along with his partner. That鈥檚 what they wanted to do. They wanted to help people. And that鈥檚 been Anne鈥檚 focus since she took over the business with the passing of her father.
— Supervisor Scott Haggerty
In becoming familiar with 西瓜视频 and the staff and services that they provide to the mentally ill and other client populations, I鈥檝e really come to admire both her [Anne] and her family-owned business. We鈥檙e just really pleased that they鈥檙e here in Alameda County and I hope they continue to provide quality service well into the future.
— Supervisor Nate Miley
I鈥檝e had the privilege of having two good friends who were under your care at 西瓜视频, and both came back very positive. I appreciate that. I鈥檝e only been there [to 西瓜视频 programs] a couple of times and I look forward to visiting again. Congratulations.
— Supervisor Richard Valle, Vice President
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Anne Bakar Honored by Alameda Board of Supervisors
Anne Bakar Honored at Bay Area Council Hall of FameDaphne PhillipsWed, 22 Nov 2017 23:01:57 +0000/ceo-corner/2017/11/22/anne-bakar-honored-at-bay-area-council-hall-of-fame55f9afdfe4b0f520d4e4ff43:5a57940bf9619a7a6dd58fd4:5a15fed9652dea2e1accb0e1On November 9th, 西瓜视频 President and CEO Anne Bakar was inducted into the Bay Area Council's Business Hall of Fame. Featured in the video below is a short video honoring Anne, as well as her acceptance speech. 

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Anne Bakar Honored at Bay Area Council Hall of Fame
Mission Priorities: Behavioral HealthSUDSShea McGuierFri, 19 May 2017 14:12:00 +0000/ceo-corner/2017/5/26/mission-priorities-behavioral-health55f9afdfe4b0f520d4e4ff43:5a57940bf9619a7a6dd58fd4:5928540dd1758e80719c46a6By Anne Bakar, President & CEO

西瓜视频鈥檚 new mission statement is moving us forward on many fronts: , , and . But it鈥檚 also intended to move us forward in the care of people with serious mental illness (SMI) and substance use issues.

At 西瓜视频, we estimate that at least 75% of the people we serve have a serious mental illness and a co-occurring substance use issue.
 
At least 75%.
 
That means that at least 75% of our clients are trying to manage two very daunting recovery challenges. At least 75% are at risk of having their health compromised and their lives cut short. At least 75% may be facing shame, stigma, and punitive program rules that make it hard for them to be honest about their lives and get the help they need.
 
It鈥檚 unacceptable.
 
Our new mission statement reflects our focus not just on mental illness but on substance use as well.
 
We are focusing on bridging systems and closing gaps in care by training our staff about evidenced-based approaches to integrated care. This includes things like motivational interviewing and recognizing there are 鈥渟tages of change鈥 in substance use recovery: times when clients are ready to consider treatment for their addiction and times when they are not.
 
In addition to training staff about new tools and interventions, we are introducing Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) to our practice. This is a vital intervention that we are well suited to provide as a professional organization with a wholly owned led by Dr. Jeff Gould. Consistent with this direction, we recently completed a pilot program on how detox could be accomplished through outpatient telemedicine.
 
In this month鈥檚 newsletter, you will learn more about how we are moving this aspect of our mission forward. You can read about our three-year SUDS plan, meet our new SUDS Director, and get more detail about these new approaches.
 
We hope you enjoy this preview, and we look forward to sharing our learning and growth.

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Mission Priorities: Whole Person CareWhole Person CareShea McGuierThu, 13 Apr 2017 16:39:54 +0000/ceo-corner/2017/4/13/mission-priorities-whole-person-care55f9afdfe4b0f520d4e4ff43:5a57940bf9619a7a6dd58fd4:58efa9e0414fb5737105ed44

By Anne Bakar, President & CEO

We hear so much about the need for integrated mental and physical healthcare these days, that we sometimes forget all the reasons why this is absolutely imperative for the wellness of individuals and communities.

It is not only the higher mortality rate among individuals with serious mental illness due to physical health issues that is cause for alarm. The concern is also rooted in the untreated mental illness that frequently underlies chronic health conditions such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity, pain management, and addictions.

At 西瓜视频, our new mission statement is focused on building awareness of how these health problems overlap, as well as how we can treat them more effectively.

Historically, our recovery philosophy focused on helping those we serve to recover their hopes and dreams. And now, the language in our new mission statement speaks to engaging clients in recovering their 鈥渉ealth, hopes and dreams,鈥 a clear reference to the fact that recovery involves the whole person: body and mind.

We are operationalizing this new vision today primarily with an 鈥渆ducation initiative鈥 as our SVP of Operations, says. Through e-training, we are educating our 3,200+ employees on the physical health conditions that are most common among our members, as well as providing tools to support healthy lifestyle changes.

This month鈥檚 newsletter provides detailed information about our education curriculum, along with some profiles of how our leaders are thinking about this new mission and direction. We hope you enjoy this preview, and we look forward to sharing our learning and growth.

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Berkeley Haas School of Business, Dean's Speaker Series: Anne BakarDaphne PhillipsFri, 31 Mar 2017 14:54:00 +0000/ceo-corner/2018/4/13/berkeley-haas-school-of-business-deans-speaker-series-anne-bakar55f9afdfe4b0f520d4e4ff43:5a57940bf9619a7a6dd58fd4:5ad0c393aa4a99abb2ed396dAnne Bakar was honored as a speaker at the Dean's Speaker Series at the Berkeley Haas School of Business on March 16, 2017. 

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