HealthLinc and Porter-Starke Services were recent recipients of a Special Exemplary Project Award from the Indiana Primary Health Care Association. The award was announced at the Association’s annual conference and recognized the Federally Qualified Health Center’s commitment to the integration of primary and behavioral healthcare.
“HealthLinc is honored to have received this award with valued partner Porter-Starke,” said Beth Wrobel, CEO of HealthLinc. “It’s a testament to the strength of both organizations and the partnership we have formed. More importantly, it shows the strength of the healthcare services we offer to the community,” said Wrobel.
HealthLinc and Porter-Starke have been local leaders in healthcare integration, utilizing a behavioral specialist within its healthcare visits and screening for mental health issues. The most recent award was received for expanding primary healthcare services at Porter-Starke, a process that has shown positive preliminary effects on the medical indicators, emotional well-being and lifestyle of the mental health center’s clients.
Of the 22 clients participating in the project, 18% have decreased their waist circumference, 32% have decreased their depression level, 18% decreased their anxiety level and 18% increased their amount of exercise. Improvements were also made in other indicators that can lead to improved health status.
The organization’s leaders caution that the outcomes are based on a small sample size and the project is still in its infancy. They will continue to monitor and report the project’s outcomes, but are optimistic about the future of this service.
“Individuals with mental health issues often see disparities in primary healthcare,” said Rocco Schiralli, President/CEO of Porter-Starke Services. “While preliminary, these outcomes show the positive impact this partnership has on the mental and physical health of those we serve,” said Schiralli.
HealthLinc and Porter-Starke Services received the same IPHCA award in 2008 for its integration of behavioral healthcare services into the HealthLinc clinics.
HealthLinc is a not-for-profit health center with offices in Valparaiso, Michigan City and Knox. It provides quality primary care services to the community without regard for a patient’s ability to pay and aims to eliminate health disparities. Porter-Starke Services is a not-for-profit community mental health center with offices in Valparaiso, Portage and Knox. It has provided high quality behavioral health and substance abuse treatment for over 35 years.