Understanding Your State's Role in Implementing Health Care Reform: New Policies, New Infrastructure and New Collaborations

Dr. Sandra Goodwin the founding President and CEO of the California Institute for Mental Health (CiMH), has 30 years of professional experience in administration, direct services, planning and policy development at the county and state levels. Dr. Goodwin is currently developing strategies for implementation of healthcare reform as it applies to behavioral health. This body of work includes a focus on the bi-directional integration of mental health, substance use and primary healthcare.Under Dr. Goodwin's leadership, CiMH has provided training and technical assistance to support the Mental Health Services Act (Proposition 63), passed by California voters in 2004. The MHSA focuses on transformation of mental health services by funding strategies that address recovery, resiliency, cultural competency, and reduction of disparities.

Mr. Renfree has represented the County Alcohol and Drug Program Administrators Association of California (CADPAAC) for the past 12 years. He began his work in the field as a legislative advocate for CADPAAC, and in 2006 he was asked to serve as Executive Director of the Association. In this role Tom has been active in statewide efforts to increase local government funding and support for both adult and adolescent alcohol and other drug prevention and treatment services. His leadership goals includes commitments towards better public understanding of substance use disorder issues, and advance public support for substance use disorder programs, their clients, and the workforce that directly provide prevention and treatment services. Tom has a Bachelors Degree in history and political science from the University of California.