Congressman Pete Visclosky announced today that the Center for Mental Health Services has awarded $399,918 to Porter-Starke Services to fund the collaborative Strong Mind, Strong Body Wellness Program.
The program will be based on a framework devised by Porter-Starke Services and HealthLinc, whereby patients with serious mental illnesses have access to medical care at their community mental health center (CMHC). Through this program, HealthLinc will offer on-site medical services for patients at Porter-Starke Services, the Swanson Center, and Oaklawn Psychiatric Center, giving patients with serious mental illness the attention and added care they need.
Aileen Wehren, Vice President of Systems Administration at Porter-Starke Services, said of the grant, “For the past three years we have operated a clinic out of our facility in conjunction with HealthLinc. We have had tremendous success improving overall health by providing on-site medical services and focusing on wellness, not illness. In joining with our partner CMHCs we expand our knowledge base to other organizations that can improve patient wellness throughout the region. The purpose of this program is to help the people that we serve feel better and live longer, and this grant will allow us to do just that.”
Congressman Visclosky said, “Each of the organizations involved in this program has a proven track-record of improving the quality of life for their patients, and is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those they serve. I thank them for working together to secure this vital funding, and for their good work on behalf of their clients.”
The award, a Mental Health & Substance Abuse Service grant, is distributed by the Center for Mental Health Services. The Center for Mental Health Services leads federal efforts to treat mental illnesses by promoting mental health and by preventing the development or worsening of mental illness when possible.