While one initiative officially sunsets, we welcome a new chapter for our former President and CEO, Peter Janelle. For the past six years, Janelle served as the Executive Director of Network4 Health (Region 4 Integrated Delivery Network (IDN) created as part of the NH 1115 Medicaid Transformation Waiver) which aimed to transform the behavioral health delivery system through Integrating physical and behavioral healthcare; expanding provider capacities and reducing service gaps during periods of transitions.

Network4Health, a $21 million grant-funded program, was an extremely comprehensive initiative that encompassed research, planning, testing, pilot programs as well as shared strategies and execution across many agencies and organizations. The value provided from this undertaking resulted in an improved delivery system of mental healthcare as well a coordinated system surrounding the social drivers of health.

Some specific outcomes of this remarkable initiative included;

1. Workforce development strategies for the region and funding for professional training and education
2. Expansion of the Health Information Technology infrastructure required to support high quality, integrated health care across the region
3. Progress in improving the integration of Primary Care services with Behavioral Health Care services
4. Integration of a Care Transitions and Critical Time Intervention (CTI) model, due to the success of pilots across 5 IDN regions – CTI is now a state-supported service at NH Community Mental Health Centers.

1. Increased capacity and investments in services for individuals with co-occurring illness or dual diagnoses; such as those who experience mental illness and Substance Use Disorders (SUD) challenges and who may not be successfully served through outpatient programs.

When asked about the success of the multi-year effort, Peter said, “The biggest lesson learned from our experience with Network4Health has been the importance of community collaborations.  Organizations working together to address community needs can be challenging and sometimes difficult however, the results make those efforts worthwhile.”

Reserve funding that remained from the original grant, will continue to fund workforce development initiatives for programs such as Leadership Development and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion trainings, through 2023.

As of April 2022, Peter Janelle will begin his new chapter with The Mental health Center of Greater Manchester as the Sr. Director of Strategic Initiatives. His role will continue to evolve over the coming months, but his expertise will be utilized to support many new projects such as workforce development as well as Executive Coaching.