The Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority (DWMHA) is in the process of developing a strategic plan. As we continue on our mission to improve the quality of mental healthcare in Wayne County we have sought feedback from those interested in contributing as we strive to be more than the largest community mental health provider in the State – but also the best!
DWMHA board members and staff recently participated in four community meetings where we listened to our providers, stakeholders, consumers and family members in order to help us shape the best overall strategic plan that is “consumer and community focused, data-driven and evidenced-based”
Our goal is to meet the needs of people with mental illness, developmental disabilities and substance use disorders that we are committed to serve.
The team at DWMHA worked diligently in identifying areas to be addressed in the development of our strategic plan. Dr. Carmen McIntyre, Chief Medical Officer, focused discussions on Community Inclusion and Integration so that we may better understand the need for individuals to live in more independent housing and have more employment opportunities. Discussions focused on identifying innovative projects and develop action plans that are going to help reach these goals. DWMHA Chief of Operations Jeff DeLay, spoke on Crisis Management and Response and the many ways we as a community need to work together to re-imagine the way we access community and peer supports to prevent and handle crises and remove the need for restrictive care. Chief Information Officer, Bill Riley addressed the need in the development of our strategic plan to do balance cost, quality and time. Organizational efficiency and effectiveness is essential to ensure we get more “effective” dollars into services.
Other discussions focused on the need to coordinate our systems into one Integrated Service for persons with multiple problems and complex needs. Integrated Healthcare is critical to the overall well-being of people, as it is imperative that our physical doctors and behavioral health doctors are all on the same page for any diagnosis and necessary treatment. Other topics included: developing a Recovery Oriented System of Care, Improving Practices and Health & Safety.
The overall goals of our strategic planning process are to:
- Establish and/or maintain priorities with the ongoing changes in the healthcare industry
- Establish and/or maintain priorities during our transition period with the new MCPNs and providers
- Ensure that the DWMHA Mission, Vision and Guiding Principles align with the priorities and needs of the community.
“The feedback received was tremendous and insightful as we are in the midst of identifying our long-term goals and objectives. Through constant communication and community feedback we will be able to determine the best approach for achieving the goals and objectives in a strategic plan developed by and for the people we serve.” according to Corine Mann, DWMHA Chief Strategy Officer.
The community’s input in our mental health system’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats are invaluable. We intend to use the data received to demonstrate and achieve our strategic goals. This plan is shaped by and will ultimately be approved by our community board of directors.
DWMHA management will examine and use this data as we proceed in our long-term plans toward excellence.
Want to contribute to the plan? Go to our website www.dwmha.com and follow the links to the strategic plan.
Thank you citizens of Detroit/Wayne County for partnering with us to improve care.
Tom Watkins is the president and CEO if the Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority (www.dwmha.com). He has served the residents of Michigan as state superintendent of schools and state mental health director. Follow Watkins on twitter #tdwatkins88
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