LifeWays Chosen as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Demonstration Site in Michigan
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jackson, MI – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced on August 25 that LifeWays was chosen to be a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration site, marking a significant milestone in the organization's commitment to advancing mental health care and well-being within Jackson and Hillsdale counties.
The distinction of becoming a CCBHC Demonstration Site is a testament to LifeWays' dedication to delivering top-tier mental health services. This designation is a recognition of the organization's exceptional track record as a CCBHC grantee during the past 3 years and its ongoing efforts to set new standards of excellence in mental health care.
As a CCBHC Demonstration Site, LifeWays will be better able to not only continue providing comprehensive, integrated, and person-centered services to individuals and families in need, but to do so regardless of residence, ability to pay, or insurance type. Currently, LifeWays can operate this way using CCBHC grant funding through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA). However, becoming a demonstration site has now stabilized these funds through Medicaid and allows LifeWays to officially operate as a CCBHC without needing to continually reapply for grant funding.In preparation for becoming a CCBHC, LifeWays has applied for and received two CCBHC grants through the SAMHSA to operate as a CCBHC without the official CCBHC designation.
LifeWays CEO, Maribeth Leonard, began taking steps for LifeWays to become a CCBHC as early as 2014. “CCBHCs open integrated health access to all," said Leonard. "As a CCBHC we can serve any person in need who walks through our doors.” She credits Senator Debbie Stabenow’s Excellence in Mental Health Act for the basis of CCBHCs.
The CCBHC model in Michigan is an essential component of a broader effort to enhance mental health services nationwide. Through this model, LifeWays will be required to provide a comprehensive set of services including 24/7/365 crisis services; outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment services; immediate screenings, risk assessments, and diagnoses; and care coordination including partnerships with emergency rooms, law enforcement, and veterans’ groups. The clinics will be reimbursed through Medicaid for the full cost of providing services—the same way we fund community health centers for physical care.
"We are immensely proud to be chosen as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Demonstration Site," said Maribeth Leonard, CEO at LifeWays. "This recognition enables our commitment to elevating our mental health service array and providing a holistic approach to well-being. Building on our experience as a previous CCBHC grantee, we are dedicated to making a lasting positive impact on the lives of those we serve."
A report authored by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing shows that CCBHCs are increasing access to high-quality mental health and addiction treatment that is making a difference in the lives of thousands of people in communities across the country.
Statistics from the Department of Health and Human Services show that people who received services at these clinics:
Had 69% fewer emergency department visits.
Spent 60.3% less time in jails.
Saw a 40.7% decrease in homelessness.
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