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Session Title: Participation and Policy: Evaluation in Multi-Site Programs
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Panel Session 907 to be held in Mineral Hall Section F on Saturday, Nov 8, 3:05 PM to 3:50 PM
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Sponsored by the Cluster, Multi-site and Multi-level Evaluation TIG
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| Chair(s): |
| Martha Ann Carey,
Maverick Solutions LLC,
marthaann123@sbcglobal.net
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| Discussant(s):
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| Leonard Bickman,
Vanderbilt University,
leonard.bickman@vanderbilt.edu
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| Abstract:
Partnerships between communities and researchers/evaluators are one type of challenge in evaluation and research. Adding another level of complexity, interest, and potential power is the partnership between a national level organization and local entities. As the nation's leading nonprofit advocacy organization focusing on mental health for all people, Mental Health America works with over 320 affiliates to ensure that people's voices are heard by policy makers in utilizing evidence in developing resource allocation policies at local, state, and federal levels. With emphasis on project management and federal goals, this panel includes a second paper on the experience of developing and managing multi-site services research programs with input from diverse stakeholders. The discussant is an internationally recognized expert in mental health services, has extensive and relevant publications, and has extensive experience in federally funded multi-site studies.
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A Multi-State Model of Participation and Policy
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| Laura Galbreath,
Mental Health America,
lgalbreath@mentalhealthamerica..net
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As the leading nonprofit advocacy organization, Mental Health America's (MHA) major focus has been health care reform at federal, state, and national levels. Much of the organization's work is accomplished through state and local affiliates, whose needs are the basis of program planning. Using data from periodic surveys of states and affiliates, the national organization identifies the pressing issues that are in common, and then invites states to apply for funding. Participants come together to develop an action plan that includes MHA funding and technical assistance. MHA reviews the progress reports of the projects in an overall, quality improvement approach. Plans are in process to develop a more structured format for local and national level evaluations. This presenter will describe lessons learned from her over ten years of experience working with multi-site and multi-level programs.
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Managing the Milieu: Multiple Voices at Multiple Levels
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| Martha Ann Carey,
Maverick Solutions LLC,
marthaann123@sbcglobal.net
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People and policy interact in complex social, economic, and political systems. The planning and management of complex programs is crucial to success. In addition to working within the guidelines of professional ethics, established goals and deliverables, and research standards, it is crucial to clarify roles and responsibilities for all parties, establish a workable and regular communication process, obtain consensus on development of governance procedures, and include the voices of the vulnerable populations from the stakeholder communities. From her experiences at NIH, SAMHSA, and private settings, the presenter will describe approaches that have been helpful in organizing multiple stakeholders with multiple goals, with an emphasis on using adapted qualitative methods for the development of credible information.
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