>>Funding will expand area behavioral health services

Ohio Hills Health Centers has received $650,000 in funding through the 2023 Congressionally Directed Spending to provide for the expansion of Behavioral Health Services, which will increase access to mental health services better meeting the needs of the community.

“This project will increase Behavioral Health Services in our region by specifically addressing access, affordability, and availability of providers and will reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental health services,” said Jeff Britton, CEO, Ohio Hills Health Centers.

Ohio Hills Health Centers serve Belmont, Guernsey, Harrison, Monroe, and Noble counties.

Those residing in Appalachia have disproportionately higher rates of mental health problems, compared to the general population. While the prevalence of mental illness is similar between rural and urban residents, the services available can be very different. Adults residing in rural locations receive mental health treatment less frequently and face more barriers regarding access, availability, and affordability. These are issues that this funding will assist Ohio Hills Health Centers to address.

The CDS funding would provide for building renovations to locate Behavioral Health Services adjacent to the health care providers increasing patient access and familiarity with the setting, thereby reducing the stigma associated with receiving mental health services. It would also enhance confidentiality and provide space to add additional Behavioral Health Care providers to expand services and to add qualified staff to address substance abuse issues. Ohio Hills Health Centers also addresses the affordability of Behavioral Health Services through the provision of a Patient Discount Program and the ability to assist patients to apply for Medicaid, Medicare and Health Insurance through the Marketplace.

For more information regarding Ohio Hills Health Centers or Behavioral Health Services please call 740-239-6447.

Submitted by Ohio Hills Health Center

This article originally appeared on The Daily Jeffersonian: Funding will expand area behavioral health services