What Potential Humana-Cigna Tie Up Means for Behavioral Health

An industry-redefining merger of Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) and The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI) is reportedly in the works.

The deal, if completed, would create a massive company that spans nearly every segment of the health insurance industry. It would also create a formidable clinical and health services division prominently featuring behavioral health. Both entities offer behavioral health services via various platforms, including commercial, and Medicare and Medicaid programs. Apart from creating a gargantuan clinical and health insurance company — the alleged merger would provide a compelling test of the Biden administration’s stance on mega-mergers.

Ohio SUD COE Trainings

The Ohio Substance Use Disorders Center of Excellence (SUD COE), housed at Case Western Reserve University, is pleased to announce our initial training schedule beginning with a range of free topical content offerings that will be available in both virtual and regional onsite/in-person formats.

The SUD COE will be rolling out new evidence-informed sessions each quarter and will also offer a variety of learning community opportunities for professionals looking to explore essential topics and roles associated with the treatment of high morbidity/high mortality SUD.

Trainings that are now open for registration are:

• Overview of Best Practices in the Supervision of Substance Use Treatment Providers
• Engagement & Retention in Substance Use Disorder Treatment
• Ethics and Boundaries for Substance Use Disorder Professionals
• Foundational Principles of Substance Use Disorder Treatment

Gambling Disorder Case Presentation: Co Occurrence of Gambling Disorder with Substance Use Disorders

Problem Gambling Network of Ohio invites you to attend the upcoming Gambling Disorder Case Presentation session on Tuesday, December 5th from 12:00-1:00pm. 

During this session, Jesse Wodrig, MBA, LCDCIII-GAMB, OCPSA will share a case study of a former client diagnosed with a co-occurrence of stimulant use disorder and gambling disorder. This no-cost training will provide 1.0 CEU through the Ohio Chemical Dependency Board, the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board, and the International Gambling Counselor Certification Board.

Registration details can be found here.

Webinar | Important Behavioral Health Workforce Updates

This informational webinar (Thursday 12/7 from 12p-1p) will cover the work underway at OhioMHAS to grow the behavioral health workforce across the state.

OhioMHAS staff will outline the Behavioral Health Workforce Roadmap, including the timeline for implementation and the various resources available to recruit and retain professionals. The webinar will also highlight other work underway, including:

• The Behavioral Health Workforce Technical Assistance Center within OhioMHAS
• The Great Minds Fellowship, which provides financial support to college students pursuing careers in behavioral health fields, as well as post-graduation bonuses if they obtain employment in a Community Behavioral Health Center in the state.
• Welcome Back, which provides Community Behavioral Health Centers with funding to use as sign-on bonuses to recruit employees who are returning to the field.