Michael T. Flaherty, Ph.D.

In today's changing health care, the core issue of why we do what we do is being obscured by new rules, new guidance, new models and more demands for increased economies, efficiency and accountability. A recovery focus to all care is the assurance of both quality in outcomes and in the involvement of our communities in designing in measuring the care provided. This presentation will define what a recovery focused model is, how to build it in your work or community and how that in turn will safeguard the interests of the person, family and community beyond any other approach in these times of limited resources and reform. Suggested guiding measures of recovery for individuals, agencies and communities will be offered.

Goals and Objectives

By the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to:

  1. examine and clarify the core reasons why we do what we do;
  2. understand both the changes to current practice and how a recovery focus strengthens all we do;
  3. design measures of recovery for individuals, families, communities and the systems that serve them.

Presentation Outline

  1. Change ... the only certainty. What is happening to health care? How did we get here?
  2. Review of major changes in understanding of addiction and in the way we deliver prevention and treatment to build resiliency, wellness and recovery
    1. Affordable Health Care Act
    2. New Models, Approaches and Demands
    3. Workforce issues
    4. The challenge and benefit of new technologies
  3. What is recovery focused care? What is a Recovery Oriented System of Care? Is this just cheaper treatment? Is this moralizing?
  4. Are there studies? Is it effective? Resources for implementation
  5. How can I do it in my community?
  6. Q/A and discussion