(1)   AHCCCS Policy Committee (APC) Develops AHCCCS Contractors Operations Manual (ACOM) and AHCCCS Medical Policy Manual which drive the Arizona Public Health System. Typically Monthly and Ad Hoc Meetings with greater urgency due to AHCCCS Complete Care Integration. We are excited to partner with the AHCCCS Office of Individual and Family Affairs to reach out to diverse, young adult, and veteran communities to review and provide feedback to relevant policies open for public comment. Jim’s participation specifically requested by AHCCCS to participate in Confidential AHCCCS Policy Committee discussion; NAMI Arizona contracted to engage diverse communities for direct input on those policies Open/Out for Public Comment. For more information, please feel free to contact nia.Buckley@azahcccs.gov

(2)   AHCCCS OIFA Advisory Council Statewide gathering of Peer and Family Run Organizations, RBHA OIFA reps, and Community Leaders consulting in partnership with AHCCCS leadership 1.5 hour meetings on the third Tuesday of each month This group is “the Canary in the Coal Mine” demonstrating AHCCCS’ onging determination to include individuals and families with lived experience in all aspects of their operation. NAMI Arizona provides coaching, encouragement, and leadership to solidify AHCCCS Intentional Partnering and Community Collaboration through this group. Sign up for OIFA Emails including their comprehensive weekly newsletter by emailing oifa@azahcccs.gov

(3)   AHCCCS Peer and Family Career Academy Governance Committee The Academy develops and delivers training to peers and family members that work in the behavioral health system. It hopes to improve employment opportunities for these individuals. hour meeting on the third Tuesday of each month NAMI Arizona along with RBHA and ACC OIFA Leaders oversee the contract administration and operation of the Arizona Peer and Family Career Academy. Please see www.azpfca.org for details.

(4)   AHCCCS Quarterly Quality Forum T/RBHA, ALTCS and ACC Quality Management structure determined to bring individuals, families, and community partners into the Quality Control and System Oversight process. 1.5 hour meeting on the third Tuesday of every third month L6D6:R7C6D6:G7D6:X7D6:AB7 AHCCCS has invited NAMI Arizona, along with Individual, Family, and Community Leaders from across the State to help define meaningful targeted Outcomes, link communities, and to establish processes that keep our finger on the pulse of the system. If you’d like to participate contact mary.beardsley@azahcccs.gov to get added to the email invitation list.

(5)   Phoenix VA Mental Health Advocacy Council Veterans, Advocates, Phoenix VA Leadership and Community meetings to address system gaps and enhance veteran access to care 1.5 hour meetings on the fourth Wednesday of the month NAMI Arizona has helped strengthen the Council’s impact, facilitated linkage to AHCCCS OIFA, and able to parlay bipartisan veteran goodwill toward relevant Mental Health and Criminal Justice Initiatives. This group welcomes all the help they can get so please contact geoffd2@gmail.com if you’d like to participate.

(6)   Veterans Mental Health Coalition Congresswoman Sinema’s Workgroup established to address gaps in VA performance Quarterly and Ad Hoc NAMI Arizona participation requested by “Congressional Decree”; NAMI intentionally partnering to grow non-partisan momentum to improve VA System performance and eliminate veteran suicide.

(7)   Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act Workgroup (now Arizona’s pioneering “Be Connected” program) https://beconnectedaz.org/ During Summer/Fall 2016 when the rest of the Nation seemed hopelessly divided, staff from Senator McCain and Congresswoman Sinema’s office facilitated a Confidential Non-Partisan workgroup to develop Arizona’s approach to this Federal, State, and Veteran Initiative to Reduce Veteran Suicides. Arizona is one of five states chosen to pilot unique initiatives under this legislation and “Be Connected” strives to ensure “No Wrong Door” to any veteran seeking assistance or community member wishing to help them. The Be Connected project group participates in the Monthly Maricopa County Crisis Community Collaborative Meetings the first Thursday of every month to maintain key partnerships and ensure our crisis services are meeting the needs of Arizona’s large veteran population. NAMI Arizona participation in workgroup morphed out of Phoenix VA Advocacy Council and Congresswoman Sinema’s Mental Health Coalition participation. The Maricopa County Crisis Community Collaborative would love to have NAMI Affiliate participation, so please contact hildebrandt@mercycareaz.org or OhalloranF@mercycareaz.org if interested.

(8)   Arizona Mental Health and Criminal Justice Coalition The Coalition has had an impact of moving Arizona criminal justice actors toward treatment and away from punishment for persons with behavioral health challenges. 2 hour meeting on the first Friday of the Month Thanks to AHCCCS Buiding Connections Partnering, NAMI Arizona has been able to provide financial and other support to David’s Hope to run the Arizona Mental Health and Criminal Justice Coalition and lead Arizona’s Stepping Up Initiative. Arizona remains the first and only State to have all 15 Counties signed on to the Stepping Up Initiative committing to getting those with mental illness treatment instead of incarceration. Powerful, nonpartisan partnering is taking place between law enforcement, prosecutors, public defenders, judges, and all three branches of Arizona government. Details at http://davidshopeaz.org/index.

(9)   Arizona Justice Alliance Statewide group of Advocates, Prosecutors, Public Defenders, Courts and others determined to keep youth and adults with mental illness our of jails and prison “Steering Committee” Member with limited attendance at 1.5 hour meeting on the 1st Tuesday of the Month. Focus on keeping youth and adults with serious mental illness in treatment instead of incarcerated greatly benefits individuals and families with mental illness. Details at http://arizonajusticealliance.com

(10)   Arizona Peer and Family Coalition The coalition promotes preparation of peers and family members for participation in leadership opportunities in their communities and across the State. 1.5 hour meeting on the 2nd Tuesday of each month Individuals, families, and allies shed their titles and organizational affiliations to grow and connect peer and family leaders in communities across the State. Details at http://azpeerandfamily.org/

(11)   Arizona Council of Human Service Providers Statewide group of health care providers striving to improve the lives of Arizona’s diverse populations 2-3 hour meeting the 2nd Friday of each month; quarterly meeting with Arizona Department Leadership This group offers information about how system issues and changes affect providers

(12)   Phoenix Police Chief’s Executive Advisory Council A group of behavioral health and crisis leaders pulled in to assist Phoenix Police Chief with challenging community relations issues Annually or more frequently depending on circumstance Establishes NAMI Arizona as a Collaborative Community Resource determined to improve community behavioral health outcomes

(13)   Committee on Mental Health and the Justice System Committee Established and Membership Appointed by Chief Justice of Supreme Court to develop and recommend comprehensive evidence-based practices and cross agency protocols to improve the administration of civil and criminal justice for persons with mental illness 5 hour meeting scheduled monthly through Fall 2019 Who’d believe Arizona would one day lead the Nation in nonpartisan mental health and criminal justice reform. Recognizing the need for system oversight and the fact that nobody really likes to be overseen, we now have a highly eclectic, diverse group of stakeholders including all three branches of State government intentionally partnering on “Fair Justice”. Committee Members are appointed by the Chief Justice of the Arizona Supreme Court, but meetings are open to the public. Details at https://www.azcourts.gov/cscommittees/Mental-Health-and-the-Justice-System

(14)   Maricopa County Human Rights Committee/Independent Oversight Committee Legislatively established volunteer independent oversight of publicly funded behavioral health system in Maricopa County 1 2.5 hour meeting the 3rd Wednesday of each month; periodic subcommittee and site visits “Outside” normal NAMI Arizona schedule of activities; Jim’s participation determined to grow collaborative community oversight and build relationships. Meetings are subject to Open Meeting laws and open to the public. Committee members are frequently sought for IOCs across the State. For more information please see https://doa.az.gov/independent-oversight-committees-notice