How We Got Here: The Origins of Community-Based Care

In the inaugural episode of Voices of Care, featuring Kevin Scalia, a Netsmart leader and long-time advocate for community-based care joins Scott Green, SVP & Managing Director of CareDimensions, Netsmart. Kevin shares his journey into shaping policy and technology in behavioral health, starting with the 2008 financial crisis and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), which sparked his mission to level the playing field for behavioral health organizations within the evolving landscape of healthcare IT. From navigating the complexities of meaningful use to forging alliances with industry associations and healthcare IT competitors, and the strategies, hurdles and pivotal moments that shaped the Netsmart advocacy efforts. The conversation highlights the importance of technology investments to meet providers’ needs and improve care delivery, along with ongoing initiatives to build infrastructure that supports data sharing and empowers community-based organizations. Join us to hear about: · Kevin’s career journey and bringing Netsmart into the forefront of helping shape policy on behalf of our clients and those they serve · The evolution of the Behavioral Healthcare IT Coalition and the power of unified messaging · Why interoperability is the key to truly integrated, whole-person care · The vital role of technology in integrating physical and mental healthcare · How past investments in EHR infrastructure are laying the groundwork for AI-driven solutions If you want to hear more episodes like this one, look for Voices of Care, a Netsmart CareThreads podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Online Resources: Summary of Netsmart Healthcare Legislative Advocacy (ntst.com) Fierce Healthcare Article: Netsmart Clients to Receive Nearly $2 Million in Meaningful Use EHR Incentive Payments The Hill Article: People with addiction issues should be able to control their own health data – Patrick J. Kennedy and Kevin Scalia