Gooseberry Falls 2/3 Room

Arrowhead Health Alliance and the Arrowhead Telepresence Coalition (ATC) in the northeast region of Minnesota has been working to expand behavioral health through telepresence for the past three years. With over 400 accounts spread throughout seven counties and three tribes, the ATC is making great strides to improve access to mental health services in a mental health shortage area. The focus has always been person-centered innovation and, through that model, technology and methods are adapted to meet the needs of individuals within the region. This breakout will review the variety of ways users are maximizing this technology and discuss the importance in moving this project across the state.

Savanah Bennett

Regional Telepresence Coordinator
Arrowhead Health Alliance

Savanah Bennett is the Regional Telepresence Coordinator for Arrowhead Health Alliance (AHA). Savanah joined AHA in the summer of 2016, and has since been working on the expansion and growth of the regional network. Prior to AHA, Savanah worked as a remote health care recruiter utilizing video technology to onboard employees. Savanah has a Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship/Small Business Management as well as a Bachelors of Science in Marketing, and a minor in Management Information Systems.

Dave Lee

Dave Lee, MA, LP, LMFT, LICSW

Director
Carlton County Public Health & Human Services

Dave Lee has his Bachelors of Science (BS) from the University of Minnesota, and his Master of Arts (MA) in Professional Psychology from the University of Saint Thomas. He has served as the statewide Behavioral Health Director for Lutheran Social Services (LSS) of Minnesota, he has also worked in a residential treatment center, inpatient adolescent unit, group homes, and outpatient mental health clinics. Dave has also helped develop the TXT4Life/Crisis Text Line suicide prevention service, new regional crisis stabilization center, six County/three Tribal Nation crisis response team, and regional telemental health innovation project. Dave currently serves as Chair of the Minnesota State Advisory Council on Mental Health.

Ric Schaefer

Director
Arrowhead Health Alliance

Ric Schaefer is the Director for Arrowhead Health Alliance (AHA) a multi-county Health and Human Services Agency. As Director for AHA, Ric is responsible for the ongoing development of AHA’s unique business structure which focuses on leveraging the strengths of five counties in northern Minnesota. In coordination with the Arrowhead Behavioral Health Initiative, Ric provides coordination services and helps to staff the Arrowhead Telepresence Initiative.