Officials gathered at the former Genesee Hospital on Alexander Street to announce a $1.5-million dollar grant designed to expand the reach of behavioral health services.
The funding comes from United Health Foundation, and the Regional Primary Care Network will use the money to integrate mental health services with primary care services in the region.
Michael Leary is President and CEO of the Rochester Primary Care Network...
"What we're trying to do is instead of referring the patients off to someone else to provide the service, we're going to provide it right in the health center."
"To make that introduction and have them seek care and get it right there in the comfort and familiarity of the primary care setting is a very important aspect of care," said Kathy McGuire, senior vice president at Rochester Regional Health.
Congresswoman Louise Slaughter was on hand for the announcement.
She says the grant will mean RCPN will be better prepared to serve members of our community who need access to critical mental health care.
"RCPN will be able to expand upon its efforts to provide much needed mental and behavioral health services from screenings to the wellness promotion to clinical care."
Slaughter says the grant will give over $450-thousand dollars to direct patient care in the Rochester area.
President and CEO of RCPN, Michael Leary, says the overt goals are to increase depression screening rates and implement a formal substance abuse disorder screening process in their centers.
The centers are in Rochester at Genesee Health Services on Alexander Street, and at community centers in Rushville and Utica.
RCPN will administer the grant through December 31st, 2017.
Congresswoman Louise Slaughter says the grant from United Health Foundation is an investment in our community's future.
Credit Alex Crichton