PCHC Receives Supplemental Grant for Behavioral Health
BANGOR – Penobscot Community Health Care (PCHC), the largest Federally Qualified Health Center in Maine, has been awarded a supplemental grant of $167,000 by the Health Resources and Services Administration for behavioral health. The Integrated Behavioral Health Services (IBHS) grant is to support an increase in access to integrated behavioral health services including mental health and/or substance use disorders.
“Over ten years, the number of patients receiving behavioral health services at Federally Qualified Health Centers nearly tripled,” said Lori Dwyer, President & CEO of PCHC. “There is no question that’s a staggering number. But it also speaks to the number of patients who are just now realizing there is help available, or are ready to ask for help. This grant is allowing us to ensure that we have the proper staffing and capacity as more people find themselves in a position to seek treatment.”
Behavioral health integration is collaborative care between primary care and behavioral health clinicians focused on patient-centered care. Integrated behavioral health services can include mental health conditions and substance use disorders that stem from additional factors including psycho-physiological symptoms and/or personal situations.
“PCHC is unique in its position to be able to provide care, regardless of background or ability to pay,” said Dwyer. “PCHC’s integrated medical home model offers primary care services, behavioral health and recovery treatment under one roof. There is an on-site pharmacy at four of our locations as well, helping address access and transportation issues for many patients. It is vitally important that our community realizes these services exist and are available for people who need them.”
The funds are supplemental funding, so officials expect this amount will be added to base grant funding in future years as well, as long as the purpose and requirements of the grant are met.
This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $167,000 with no percentage financed with nongovernmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.
About Penobscot Community Health Care
Penobscot Community Health Care (PCHC) is a non-profit, Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) founded in 1997 to ensure access to comprehensive, integrated primary health care services for all to improve the health and wellbeing of patients and the Maine communities served. Sixteen practices and program service sites in the Bangor area, and in Belfast and Jackman, offer a wide range of services including family medicine, dental, pediatrics, geriatrics, mental health and substance abuse, specialty services, pharmacy and healthcare for the homeless. Online at www.pchc.com.
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