Recognizing and Honoring Philadelphia's Community Behavioral Health Organization on the Occasion of its 20th Anniversary.

WHEREAS, In 1997, Philadelphia began its own Community Behavioral Health (CBH)

Organization in partnership with the Commonwealth’s Health Choices program. CBH, a not-for-profit organization, was structured to administer behavioral health services and support for Philadelphians enrolled in Medicaid; and

WHEREAS, At the time of CBH’s inception, Philadelphia was the only municipality in the United States to offer this type of care to its residents. By collaborating with the state to offer behavioral health support, CBH tailored treatment to meet the needs of Philadelphians; and

WHEREAS, Community Behavioral Health contracts with the City to perform utilization review, quality management, provider network management, and fiscal oversight and accountability for the individuals currently enrolled in the Medical Assistance program; and

WHEREAS, Prior to Community Behavioral Health, Philadelphia had a long history of offering behavioral health programs for those who were uninsured or underinsured. However, the City had little say in how health services were delivered to Medicaid recipients; and

WHEREAS, Community Behavioral Health has helped consumers of mental health and substance abuse services and their family members achieve a greater voice in the quality of the services they receive; and

WHEREAS, Philadelphia has realized substantial savings through improved management efficiencies that are being reinvested to expand services even further; and

WHEREAS, Philadelphia’s system for the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective, managed behavioral health services to the public sector has become a national model; and

WHEREAS, Community Behavioral Health has increased access to treatment and has implemented better coordination of services across all jurisdictions and funding streams; and

WHEREAS, Community Behavioral Health continues its commitment of helping people live successfully in the community. To that end, it upholds its philosophy that treatment should be based on principles of recovery, resilience, and self-determination; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes and honors Community Behavioral Health on the occasion of its 20th Anniversary.

RESOLVED FURTHER, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Community Behavioral Health, evidencing the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body.

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