Local Experts Discuss the Importance of Integrated Healthcare

Studies suggest that individuals with a behavioral health diagnosis are less likely to comply with their primary plan of care, resulting in higher emergency department costs and negative health outcomes. On September 14, 2016, Visiting Nurse Association of Ohio and local experts will host a panel discussion to learn how integrating holistic care can transform healthcare and positively impact the community.

The below panelists bring years of experience and education to the discussion and their roles in the community serve as their expertise within the integrated healthcare industry.

Alan F. Dowling, Ph.D.

Dr. Dowling is an Adjunct Professor at Case Western Reserve University in the Departments of Design & Innovation and Biomedical Engineering, and consults for health organizations. He lectures and consults on health business and systems management and conducts research on health systems transformation, strategic and tactical planning, and innovative health information technology and adoption.

His experience in organizations include managed care, integrated delivery, health maintenance and health insurance organizations; allied medical enterprises, including medical products, pharmaceutical, supply chain, payor corporations; and ambulatory care, chronic care, home care and skilled nursing facilities.

Alan has held several positions including Director, Health Care Information Systems Consulting and Director, Global Health Care Consulting for Ernst & Young, President of HealthMagic, Inc., SVP of Covansys’ Health Division, Executive Director of Noblis’ Center for Health Innovation, and CEO of the American Health Information Management Assn. In addition to serving in the Air Force Medical Services Corps, his education includes a Ph.D. in Health Care Management and Management Information Systems from MIT, M.C.S. Computer Science from the University of Dayton, M.S. Engineering Management (Health Systems) from Northeastern University and A.B. Physics from Holy Cross.

Valeria Harper, MA

Valeria A. Harper, M.A., is the Vice President of Operations for the Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board of Cuyahoga County. Valeria and her team are responsible for program planning, development, and monitoring in the areas of Adult and Children services; Residential Programs and services; Operations; Vocational/Employment services; Consumer Operated and Peer Support services; the Community Support Network; and Community Teams tied to the state psychiatric hospital system.

As a veteran in the behavioral health system, Valeria previously worked at Northeast Community Mental Health Center as a Mental Health Social Worker and the Manager of Residential Services. Valeria has also served as a Supervisor at Murtis H. Taylor Multi-Purpose Center. She is credited as having started the first consumer employment service at the former Northeast Community Mental Health Center

She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work with a minor in Psychology from Cleveland State University and her Masters in Arts degree in Counseling and Human Services from John Carroll University.

David Muzina, MD

David Muzina is the Senior Medical Director of Medical Mutual where he is responsible for providing expertise and oversight of clinical-management programs to promote the delivery of high-quality, customer-responsive and cost-effective medical care. With expertise in neuroscience, behavioral health programs has become one of his key responsibilities.

Prior to joining Medical Mutual, Dave served as Vice President and National Practice Leader at Express Scripts and a variety of leadership roles at the Cleveland Clinic, including Director of the Center for Mood Disorders Treatment & Research, Associate Professor of Medicine and Medical Director for Adult Inpatient Psychiatry.

He is the author of more than 60 journal articles and book chapters focusing on various neuroscience issues, including mood disorders and medication adherence. He received his doctor of medicine degree from Case Western Reserve University and is currently working on his Master of Business Administration, Healthcare Management degree at Baldwin Wallace University. He earned a Pre-Medicine Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Dayton.

Natasha M. Pietrocola MEd, MBA

Natasha is currently the Deputy Administrator for the Programs and Services Unit at the Division of Senior and Adult Services. Her role is to manage the Adult Protective Services Unit, Centralized Intake and Information and Outreach. In her career, Natasha has served in several roles included a therapist for Parmadale, a Case Manager with Bridgeway and most recently, the Cuyahoga County Division of Senior and Adult Services.

Natasha began employment with Cuyahoga County in the Grandparent Kinship Care Program (GKP) where she was hired as a Social Services Worker and within one year became the supervisor for the program. She remained in GKP until the decision was made to end the program. Natasha then became a Supervisor in Adult Protective Services (APS) until she was promoted to her current position.

Natasha attended the University of Toledo where she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree, majoring in Psychology with minors in Biology and Sociology and a Master’s in Education, Community and Agency Counseling, as well as an MBA with an emphasis on Healthcare Administration from Cleveland State University.

Jim Stilson

Jim Stilson is a volunteer with AARP Ohio and has been an active in the field of aging for more than 40 years. His background is comprised of several industry roles including Director of Social Work, Assistant Director of Community Service, and Director of Geriatric Services. His experience supports his expertise in the healthcare industry and knowledge of integrating behavioral health and primary care.

Jim served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1952-1954 and the U.S. Air Force from 1954-1962. He is a graduate of Fort Wayne Bible College and Indiana University School of Social Work. Outside of AARP, Jim has volunteered with the Alzheimer’s Association Summit County, the Akron Mayor’s Commission on Aging, Interfaith Caregivers, Community Aids Network and the National Association of Social Workers.

He has been married for 66 years, is the father of two and grandfather to two granddaughters.

The Impact of Integrated Care Forum

The forum will be held on September 14, 2016 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Visiting Nurse Association of Ohio. Attendance at the event is free of charge but registration is required. Sign up today to reserve your seat and opportunity to join in a robust industry discussion.

Click below, contact 216-931-1490 or development@vnaohio.org to register today.