by Juergen Korbanka, PhD Executive Director
For many, the New Year marks a milestone leading to reflection of past accomplishments and New Year’s resolutions. Likewise, Wasatch Mental Health can reflect on a successful 2016 and makes plans for a successful 2017..
For the 13th consecutive year, we experienced an increase in the number of clients served. Our team of dedicated providers assisted 9,634 members of our community with their behavioral health needs. This is a 2.5% increase over the previous year.
WMH’s commitment to provide services for the un- and underinsured residents of Utah and Wasatch County remains strong. In 2016, we provided close to $1 million worth of services to un- and underinsured individuals. Our Wasatch House Advisory Board is working to help fund slots for those without insurance to attend the clubhouse program to provide needed supports to those trying to go back to work
Service expansions include adding a dedicated outreach team and enhanced case management services geared towards securing housing and linking homeless individuals with much needed services.
Further, our Jail Transition team was implemented This team works with incarcerated mentally ill individuals to facilitate the transition back into the community post incarnation, thereby reducing recidivism at a significant cost savings.
The Prevention and Recovery for Early Psychosis “PREP Team” to provide early intervention services for youth and young adults (ages 16-26) who have begun experiencing first episode psychosis symptoms was also initiated.
In Fall, we broke ground on a multi-agency office building in Payson, Utah. In addition to comprehensive mental health services, we will provide a location for aDDAPT’s (Utah County Department of Drug and Alcohol Prevention) South Promise Program, and later for the County Health Department. The building is expected to open in the summer of 2017.
Another goal for the upcoming year is the full implementation of clinical consultation groups for clinicians to enhance best practices and further improve clinical outcomes.
The 360 degree management survey will be expanded to include all supervisors to enhance managerial effectiveness and train future leaders in behavioral healthcare.
Clinically, children currently on the waiting list for our autism pre-school will benefit from funding from the Friends of WMH Foundation. This funding allows us to provide select services to a number of children with autism who otherwise may not have access to any services.
Last, but certainly not least, Wasatch Mental Health will celebrate its 50th year of existence in 2017! We plan to organize several celebratory and community events to raise awareness and celebrate “50 years of Service.”