SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Magellan Health, Inc. (NASDAQ: MGLN) today released six videos featuring employees who work in peer and family support roles, helping to guide individuals toward recovery. The videos, which speak to the employees’ personal journeys with substance abuse and/or mental health challenges, also explain the employees’ roles at Magellan and the impact they have on the lives of the individuals they serve. The use of peer and family supporters – individuals with mental health, substance use or co-occurring challenges who are living well in their recovery and are trained to help others with similar challenges – is recognized as an evidence-based practice and a key component of recovery-focused programs. These individuals are able to relate with their peers and family members through shared experiences in a uniquely personal way.
“Magellan was one of the first companies to recognize the critical role of peer and family support in the recovery process, and we continue to consider peer and family support to be an invaluable service to our members,” said Tom Lane, senior director of consumer and recovery services. “We employ individuals who have experience with substance abuse and mental health challenges both directly and indirectly, and actively include these individuals as part of the recovery process. And we continue to explore new ways to effectively expand peer and family support choices for individuals nationwide.”
Elyse Hunt, a peer support navigator based in Virginia, said that she appreciates feeling included at Magellan. “I work with a team of social workers, nurses and a psychiatrist – I just feel really included as an equal,” said Hunt. “I think the fact that we provide peer support on the ground to our members shows them that we care about more than just money and numbers; we actually care about their wellness and recovery.”
Pat Hunt, director of child and family resiliency services (not related to Elyse Hunt), specializes in guiding Magellan’s work with families in ways that make recovery possible. “As the parent of children who have experienced behavioral health issues, I can honestly say they have taught me everything of value that I know in life,” said Hunt. “At Magellan we’ve developed a children’s model, which serves as a foundation of our work. This model is really about embracing parents and parental support as an integral part of every aspect of care.”
“Magellan has highly skilled, experienced, knowledgeable people doing peer support. Their work is unique and powerful,” said Lane, who is also featured in the videos. “Magellan is an industry leader in bringing the value of peers to programs through initiatives designed to improve member engagement, increase access to care and realize improved personal health outcomes.”
The videos are housed in Magellan’s E-Learning Center, along with other professional learning opportunities and resources about peer support, whole health and wellness.
About Magellan Health: Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Magellan Health, Inc. is a leader in managing the fastest growing, most complex areas of health, including special populations, complete pharmacy benefits and other specialty areas of healthcare. Magellan develops innovative solutions that combine advanced analytics, agile technology and clinical excellence to drive better decision making, positively impact health outcomes and optimize the cost of care for the members we serve — all within a customer-first culture. Magellan’s customers include health plans and other managed care organizations, employers, labor unions, various military and governmental agencies and third-party administrators. For more information, visit MagellanHealth.com.
