The administration and delivery of behavioral health services continues a rapid change and evolution in the current environment. Increased attention is paid to the overall health and wellness of individuals with mental health and substance use disorders and the need to continually work to improve the health of all people. To assure a quality healthcare system focused on wellness, behavioral health must be included.

To do so, the field has seen an increased focus on evidence-based practices, coordinated/integrated physical and behavioral health care, and concentrated attention to several health conditions that appear to affect persons living with mental illness and substance use disorders at a higher rate such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and asthma.

The 2009 Santa Fe Summit will address how behavioral health leaders can work to impact the health and wellness of individuals through discussion and action planning around topics such as prevention and early intervention models, policy and economic implications of integration, and enhancing the learning of new medical professionals regarding the impact of behavioral health needs on general health and wellness. The planning committee is preparing a meeting that will focus attention on persons of all ages and which includes stakeholders from every arena impacting health including community leaders, physicians and psychiatrists, consumers/persons in recovery, clinicians, allied health professionals, researchers/educators, policy makers and decision leaders.

Mark your calendar now for March 12 - 14, 2009 and join colleagues and leaders across the country to focus on improving health and wellness!