The MediSys Health Network’s 14th Annual Behavioral Health Conference was a resounding success.
The amply attended conference took place last month at Flushing Hospital Medical Center. This year’s topic, Preventing Suicide: An Aspiration Goal and Practical Steps was selected due to a recent federal government report indicating that the national suicide rate has increased 24% from 1999 to 2014.
The purpose of the conference was to increase recognition of suicide risk factors and taking steps to prevent them, as well as improving suicide prevention communications amongst individuals, families, providers and communities.
Following welcoming remarks by Seeth Vivek, MD, Chairman of Psychiatry and introductory remarks and comments by Mr. Bruce Flanz, President and CEO of MediSys Health Network, Anthony Maffia, LCSW, Vice-President, Psychiatry and Addiction Services, Mr. Robert Levine Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Flushing Hospital , the eager participants began their day.
This year’s keynote speaker was Carolyn Clancy, MD, Deputy under Secretary for Health for Organizational Excellence, Department of Veterans Affairs. Dr. Clancy spoke on the topic of Towards Organizational Excellence: Predicting and Preventing Suicide.
Our special invited speaker, Lloyd Sederer, MD, Chief Medical Office, NYS Office of Mental Health spoke to the group on the topic, Suicide and Depression: Reducing Disability and Death through Depression Management in Primary Care.
Hospital experts in their field, such as Dr. Daniel Chen, Vice Chairman, Psychiatry and Addiction Services, Ira Frankel, PhD, LCSW, Administrator, Psychiatry and Addition Services, Flushing Campus, Carmen James, Esq, Director of Risk Management, Flushing Campus conducted presentations and lively discussions throughout the day.
Dr. Ira Frankel, event organizer and his planning committee thanked all who attended and is looking forward to the 15th Annual Behavioral Health Conference next year.