Meritus Health expands with its mission to “Improve the Health of the Community,” and this significant step is being taken to enhance access to mental health services.
The health system recently announced the opening of the Meritus Crisis Center, a six-bed inpatient unit designed to cater to individuals struggling with addiction.
Additionally, they are launching a new Mental Health Walk-In Care facility to provide immediate assistance, assessment, and intervention for those in need of mental health services.
Both of these crucial additions are located on the Meritus Medical Center campus, accessible via the Orange Entrance on Medical Campus Drive.
Partnering with Brook Lane Health Services, the Mental Health Walk-In Care facility will play a pivotal role in serving individuals aged 6 and older, encompassing children, adolescents, and adults experiencing mild-to-moderate mental health crises.
The collaborative effort between Meritus Health and Brook Lane seeks to provide accessible care and address the growing mental health needs of the community.
Meritus Health President and CEO Maulik Joshi expressed the organization’s commitment, stating, “We are here to help our neighbors get access to the care they need. We have continued to see the need for these services and are proud to be partnering with Brook Lane to make sure our community has easy access.”
Meritus Health Expands For Mental Well-being Of The Community
Jeffery D. O’Neal, CEO of Brook Lane, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of collaboration in making a positive impact on the lives of those grappling with mental health challenges.
He emphasized that their combined expertise, resources, and dedication would not only address mental health emergencies but also provide a pathway to ongoing care, fostering long-term mental well-being within the community.
According to Allen Twigg, Executive Director of Behavioral and Community Health at Meritus Health, the most recent Community Health Needs Assessment revealed a concerning trend: an ongoing increase in drug overdose fatalities in Washington County over the past decade, surpassing the state average.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Meritus Health launched a pilot initiative that offered three crisis stabilization beds with the goal of serving 150 patients annually. The pilot program proved highly successful, achieving an impressive 82% linkage rate with treatment upon discharge, as stated in the release.
Crisis stabilization beds provide a secure environment for individuals struggling with substance abuse as they await placement in a treatment program.
Allen Twigg emphasized the significance of this expanded service, stating, “We are honored to expand this desperately-needed service to our community. This represents a significant step forward in improving access to timely and effective behavioral health care, and we are dedicated to supporting the well-being of our community.”
The Meritus Crisis Center and the Mental Health Walk-In Care facility signify a crucial response to the escalating mental health needs of the community.
By offering immediate intervention, assessment, and ongoing support, these initiatives aim to improve mental health outcomes and reduce the impact of mental health crises on individuals and families in Washington County.
The Meritus Crisis Center is poised to become a vital resource for individuals grappling with addiction. Substance abuse is a pervasive issue with far-reaching consequences, and having a dedicated inpatient unit can provide a lifeline to those in need.
By offering a secure and supportive environment, this center will play a critical role in facilitating the transition to treatment programs.
Equally important is the Mental Health Walk-In Care facility, which recognizes the urgent nature of mental health crises. This facility offers a welcoming and accessible space for individuals of all ages to seek help when they need it most.
Mental health issues, especially when left unaddressed, can lead to significant challenges in an individual’s life. By providing immediate support and intervention, Meritus Health aims to mitigate the impact of these crises.
In conclusion, Meritus Health’s expansion of mental health services through the Meritus Crisis Center and the Mental Health Walk-In Care facility is a significant and commendable step forward in improving access to behavioral health care in the Washington County community.
These initiatives have the potential to make a profound difference in the lives of individuals struggling with addiction and mental health crises, offering them the support and care they need to achieve better health and well-being.
