Building a Stronger Behavioral Health Crisis System with Chris Santarsiero

In this episode, Laura Dyrda, Vice President, Editor-in-Chief, Becker's Healthcare, discusses proposed CMS changes to the 340B program, site-neutral payment policies, and what they could mean for hospital and ASC finances. She also shares insights on shifting hospital expense trends, including rising drug and supply costs, and how health system leaders are adapting their strategies.

In this episode, Margaret Anderson, President of Health Alliance Plan by Henry Ford Health, discusses the organization's rebrand, its strategy for deeper integration with Henry Ford Health, and how it's driving growth while improving affordability. She also shares insights on provider sponsored health plans, administrative efficiency, and the growing impact of gene therapies on the healthcare system.

In this episode, Chris Santarsiero, Vice President of Government Affairs at Connections Health Solutions, discusses the policy, reimbursement, and community partnerships needed to expand access to behavioral health crisis care. He also shares how crisis stabilization centers, the 988 Lifeline, and coordinated care models are improving outcomes while reducing pressure on hospitals, law enforcement, and the broader healthcare system.

In this episode, Scott Becker highlights 5 key healthcare stories, including maternity service closures, rural hospital challenges, hospital layoffs, and more.

In this episode, Joanne Armstrong, MD, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, Women's Health and Genomics, CVS Health, discusses how CVS Health is improving access, affordability, and personalized care for women through innovative care delivery models, data-driven strategies, and benefits designed to meet women's evolving health needs.

In this episode, Raymond (Ray) Lowe, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at AltaMed, joins the podcast to discuss how AI is helping create a better patient experience while improving operational efficiency. He also shares insights on strengthening safety and cybersecurity, and reflects on the organization's response to the 2025 California wildfires, highlighting the role of technology in supporting emergency preparedness and continuity of care.

In this episode, Kenneth Nusbacher, DMD, MHA, Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs at the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry and Assistant Chief Medical Officer for Ambulatory Dentistry at UK HealthCare, joins the podcast to discuss the growing impact of student loan debt on the future dental workforce. He also shares why emphasizing the connection between oral health and overall health is essential to improving patient outcomes and advancing more integrated models of care.

In this episode, Ron Gicca, President of Orlando Health Melbourne Hospital, joins the podcast to discuss leading through change in today's evolving healthcare landscape. He shares his Orlando Health Melbourne Hospital is managing organizational growth and rising patient volumes while maintaining high-quality care, operational excellence, and a strong focus on meeting the needs of the community.

In this episode, Stephanie Hines, MBA, RN, CHCIO, CDH-E, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Valleywise Health, joins the podcast to discuss keeping quality at the forefront of healthcare technology and operational strategy. She shares her perspective on confronting access challenges, leveraging innovation to improve patient care, and ensuring technology investments support better outcomes for the communities Valleywise Health serves.

In this episode, Eric Leroux, MD, MBA, Senior Vice President, Chief Medical Officer and Chief Quality Officer, Eisenhower Health, discusses how his organization is advancing quality, patient safety, and clinical innovation while preparing for the future of healthcare. Read his recent Health Affairs article here: https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/forefront/hospital-safety-grades-aren-t-keeping-up-technology-here-s-they-need-measure-next