WEST PLAINS, MO – As many healthcare facilities across Missouri have seen an increase in the number of those seeking help for behavioral health issues in emergency departments, the Ozarks Healthcare Behavioral Health Center (BHC) is one of several organizations that is adding programming to help meet the health needs of its community. Ozarks Healthcare BHC is now offering services through its Emergency Room Enhancement (ERE) program to decrease repeated usage of emergency services and law enforcement while increasing access to mental, physical, and substance use health resources.
“We are excited to lead one of several ERE programs across the state of Missouri,” Richard McGee, Director of the Ozarks Healthcare BHC, said. “Through this program, our team works to remove barriers for those struggling with mental illness and substance abuse so that they can lead healthy lives and gain a sense of independence and belonging. The program helps individuals prevent repeated emergency department visits, hospitalization and minimizes homelessness, unemployment, and encounters with law enforcement.”
Staff from the Ozarks Healthcare BHC work as a team to implement the ERE program. Christy Jackson, licensed professional counselor (LPC) at the Ozarks Healthcare BHC has been named as the organization’s ERE Coordinator and oversees a team of ERE Outreach Specialists. Jackson has been with Ozarks Healthcare since February of 2012. In her role as ERE Coordinator, Jackson assesses incoming referrals, determines patient eligibility, and conducts community education.
ERE programs across the state are funded by the Missouri Department of Mental Health. Other areas designated for ERE programs include Kansas City, Springfield, Columbia, Hannibal, St. Louis, Rolla, Poplar Bluff, Joplin, Cape Girardeau, Jefferson City, St. Joseph, Monnett, and Trenton.
About the Ozarks Healthcare Behavioral Health Center (BHC)
The Ozarks Healthcare Behavioral Health Center (BHC) offers efficient and effective mental health services to children and adults including individual, couples, and family counseling. In addition, the Ozarks Healthcare BHC provides case management, anger management, group therapy, and medication services to help reduce the severity and duration of mental health disorders. Its team of psychiatrists, social workers, nurse practitioners, nurses, community support specialists, peer specialists, family support providers, and counselors provide convenient, comprehensive care to keep its community mentally healthy.
For more information, visit https://www.ozarkshealthcare.com/services/behavioral-health/ or call 417-257-6762.
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