🔥A Red-Hot End to Summer
🇺🇸White House visit, ✨Rx Scholarships, SUD support, AHCCCS changes & more...
As the Olympics conclude and we’re all getting back into the school year rhythm, we have exciting news about:
🌟a White House visit,
🌟 board recruitment,
🌟 scholarships,
🌟 fellowships,
🌟 mentorships and more!
Let’s jump into what’s new and noteworthy….
🇺🇸 Biden-Harris White House Invites Counselors to Share
On July 26th, Biden-Harris White House Administrator Johnson met with 1-833-TLC-MAMA counselors to hear about their experiences, and thank them for helping new parents with their mental health care needs. Well done PSI-AZ volunteer, Nallely Willis, who represented AZ, Southwestern states, immigrant and Latinx communities.
Huge Gratitude to Vice President Kamala Harris for hosting and supporting women, parents & families. Learn More.
📣 We Need Board Members like YOU!
Do you get excited about transforming AZ's perinatal mental health desert into a thriving oasis of informed, equitable, and accessible providers? So do we! PSI Arizona remains dedicated to building a board which represents Arizona’s full diversity (e.g. geography, race, ethnicity, gender, profession, parenting configurations, etc).
Want to learn more about what it would be like to become a board member? Please join this virtual Q&A on Tuesday, August 27th at 6:30p. We'll offer a brief overview of PSI-AZ's major strategic initiatives followed by plenty of time for your questions.
Register for the Q&A Here. (A recording will be sent to all who register.)
Board Applications are due by 11:59PM MST (AZ) on Sunday, September 15th, 2024. Ready to apply? Apply Now
AHCCCS (AZ State Medicaid) Now Identifies PMH-Cs
AHCCCS has created a Perinatal Mental Health Certified “PMH-C” indicator in their electronic system. This allows patients or referring agencies to search for specialists while also providing a way to monitor our growth towards network adequacy. As of July 2024, there are 45 AHCCCS-registered PMH-C providers: 26 Licensed Mental Health Providers, 18 Prescribers, and 1 Lay Professional.
While the number of PMH-Cs in the current network are nowhere close to adequate, the AHCCCS TI 2.0 Incentive program is under way growing the number of AHCCCS “in network” PMH-C providers. And of course, PSI-AZ offers training and exam scholarships that prioritize providers who already accept AHCCCS.
Got feedback? Please share it the comments thread at the bottom of the newsletter!⬇️
🎓 Prescribers: This Scholarship Opportunity is for YOU!
The phenomenal Arizona-based trainer, Dr. Saira Kalia will be teaching the virtual Advanced Pscyhopharmacolgy class on Sept 27. Prescribers are encouraged to apply for a scholarship! We continue to prioritize: a) Providers of Color, b) Providers serving rural counties and c) Providers who accept AHCCCS.
The scholarship application deadline has been extended to SEP 6. Apply today!
🎉New PSI Alliance Fellowship & Mentorship Programs
Alliance Fellowship Program | Aims to increase the education, skills, and expertise of BIPOC providers working with BIPOC communities during the perinatal period. Over 10 months, Alliance fellows will learn from leading experts, contribute to research, and join a community of passionate providers. The application window closes August 15th, 2024. LEARN MORE & APPLY
Alliance Mentorship Program | Mentors are compassionate Alliance members who identify as BIPOC and have their PMH-C. Mentors should feel comfortable and confident providing mentorship on perinatal mental health subject matter, testing strategies, and professional development to other BIPOC providers / professionals interested in obtaining the PMH-C. LEARN MORE & APPLY
🌵PSI Conference - Arizona Represents!
And that’s a wrap! We had an amazing Arizona presence at the 37th Annual PSI Conference. Gratitude to our NINE speakers/attendees: Ebony R, Heather G, Heidi R, Kelly C-D, Lindsey B, Luz W, Olymphia O-W and Roxana O-B representing Gila, Maricopa, Cochise, Navajo, Pima and Yavapai counties! Thank you for traveling so far to share your passions, grow your network and learn even more.
💙PSI Now Offers Support for Birthing People in SUD Recovery
While PSI already offers over 60+ free virtual support group options, we are excited to announce a NEW virtual support group for birthing people in recovery from Substance Use Disorder (SUD).
🏜️AZ Represents in the Newest Government Policy Cohort
Rachael Salley and Kate Dobler of AHCCCS are proudly representing Arizona in the NEW Government Agency Policy Fellows cohort with the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health! Policy Fellows gain knowledge and connections that inspire additional improvements to maternal and infant health systems.
Past AZ Policy Fellows include: Lynn Lane and Heidi Christensen (AZ Department of Health Services), Dr. Jennie Bever (CEO of 4th Trimester Arizona), Dr. Cara English (CEO of Cummings Graduate Institute) and Elizabeth Wood (PSI-AZ Board Chair). Learn More.
🗓️ Upcoming Events: You Don’t Want to Miss These!
✨Arizona Perinatal Psychiatric Access Line | Grand Rounds
Wednesday, Aug 16, 12 -1p | virtual
Dr. Brazaitis will be discussing trauma-informed care in gynecological settings. Learning objectives:
List the six principles of trauma-informed care
Utilize transparency in clinical practice to minimize re-traumatization
Recognize the role of historical trauma on present-day presentations
APAL’s Grand Rounds are monthly on the 3rd Friday. Learn More
✨ Equity & Access Group August Luncheon
Thursday, August 22, 12 - 1p AZ | Virtual
Join us for a special luncheon in honor of World Breastfeeding Month, where we will delve into the critical intersection of breastfeeding and mood disorders. This event will provide valuable insights into how breastfeeding can impact maternal mental health and offer strategies for supporting new mothers. Whether you're a healthcare professional, caregiver, or simply interested in the topic, this luncheon aims to foster understanding and provide resources for better maternal well-being.
Advanced registration is required: REGISTER TODAY
✨ First Ever Arizona PMH-C Meetup
Friday, Sept 13, 12 - 1p | Virtual
The theme of this inaugural PMH-C meetup is "Building Connections.” Our hope is these quarterly meet ups will begin to facilitate a strong AZ PMH-C community that supports and celebrates aspiring, new and current PMH-Cs! Let’s build community, expand our trusted referral sources and grow together!
Advanced registration is required: REGISTER HERE
📝 The Arizona Department of Health conducts a needs assessment every five years to identify new priorities for future health programming in our state. The anonymous survey is available in English and Spanish and takes 15-20 minutes to complete. ALL Arizona residents are welcome to provide their input and perspective by Dec 31!
🗣️Do You Have a Perinatal Mental Health Job to Fill?
Share your organization’s PMH job posting which gets over 1,500 views. Jobs will be included in our monthly eNews: 1 month for $30. Contact: psi.arizona1@gmail.com
With Gratitude,
Elizabeth Wood, Arizona Chapter Chair
Postpartum Support International
