Last week I wrote about how we and AHCCCS applied for a Health Homes Planning Grant from the US Dept. of Health & Human Services to improve the health status of folks with serious mental illnesses by improving case management, care coordination, health promotion, transitional care, individual and family support, referral to necessary services, and the use of health information technology.  HHS approved the grant request this week.  In the coming months, we will work closely with AHCCCS and our community stakeholders to plan for and pursue integrated health homes for the SMI population across the state.  By improving coordination of care and increasing access to primary care and prevention services, we expect to see meaningful improvements in quality of life and health status.  This is a very exciting opportunity that can result in significant health gains for a vulnerable population in Arizona.