Training Event – Expanding Tobacco Treatment among High-Risk Populations for Value-Based Integrated Care

 “This is an issue of social justice for our patients. We are treating them for mental health or substance use issues, but they are dying from smoking related diseases. We have to stop ignoring this with our patients.”  – Chad Morris

CHAD D. MORRIS, MS, PhD, Professor of Psychiatry, Director of the Behavioral Health & Wellness Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus

Dr. Chad Morris, a national expert on treating tobacco use for people living with mental illness or dealing with substance use issues, met with professionals around New Hampshire to talk about the benefits of quitting tobacco. He detailed the health costs and benefits for all patients who quit and the return on investment for health systems and the community when treatment for tobacco use was implemented in primary care visits and treatment and recovery services. He tackled the changing norms among providers in the recovery community who may still be hesitant to encourage quitting tobacco at the same time as treating patients who are using other substances. When referring to the ambivalence to promote quitting, Dr. Morris said, “It is no longer should we encourage quitting cigarettes, but when.” He shared research evidence that quitting tobacco can improve depression and anxiety, and even reduce the need for many common psychotropic medications and other prescriptions.

His presentation was timely has health systems serving these populations shift to a value-based payment reform that will require a deeper integration of behavioral health into primary care and substance use services.

In case you missed it! Dr. Chad Morris presented on the benefits of tobacco cessation on high-risk populations. Dr. Chad Morris joined New Hampshire community health and service providers involved in the 1115 value-based approach. His talk on Nov 14-16, 2016 focused on cessation strategies and tools for cessation when for working with high-risk patients.

Expanding Tobacco Treatment with Chad Morris, PhD – November 2016 – New Hampshire

Expanding Tobacco Treatment among High Risk Populations for Value Based Integrated Care: Medicaid & Department of Health and Human Services (slides) – Presented by Chad Morris, Ph.D. in November 2016 in New Hampshire

TERESA M. BROWN, BS, TTS, Tobacco Treatment Specialist, New Hampshire Division of Public Health Services, Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Program

Teresa Brown, Tobacco Treatment Specialist with the New Hampshire Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Program, is available to help health systems incorporate tobacco treatment into their routine approach with patients and establish electronic referrals. She is available to help your Individualized Delivery Network expand cessation opportunities for your community members. You can reach her about training, resources and technical assistance at 603.271.8949 or email her at teresa.brown@dhhs.nh.gov.