DEEPLY ROOTED
Focused on the foundation of our future.
2023 ANNUAL REPORT
OUR MISSION
Horizon Behavioral Health is the premier provider of mental health, substance use and intellectual disability services in Central Virginia. Horizon's mission is to support and promote the health, independence and self-worth of individuals and families in Central Virginia by providing a continuum of communitybased treatment, prevention, early intervention, and aftercare services for persons affected by mental health, intellectual disabilities, substance use and co-occurring disorders. Our vision is to provide behavioral healthcare services that are accessible, consumercentered, cost effective, and outcome-based.
OUR VALUES
Each individual and family's right to participate in decisions affecting his or her life.
Each individual and family's right to be safe from harm.
Providing timely services in the least-restrictive setting which are accessible, affordable, efficient and adaptable to each individual's need.
Developing and retaining a well-trained and culturally diverse staff.
Evaluating our services regularly as they relate to client and community needs.
Working cooperatively with other agencies and organizations to provide our community with fully integrated services.
FROM OUR CEO, MELISSA LUCY
DearFriendsandCommunityPartners,
Asweembarkuponanewyear,mythoughtsbringmetothetreasuredstoriesofsuccess andgrowththatweproudlypresenttoyouinthisyear’s2023AnnualReport.Aswe preparetocelebratearemarkableservicemilestoneinthecomingyear,Ireflectuponour organization’sfoundationalhistoryandlookforwardtothecontinuedgrowthsureto propelusforwardintothecomingyear.
Morethan54yearsago,avisiontookrootthatwouldonedaymakewayfortheCommunityServicesBoardthat wearetoday,nowserving8,993adultsand3,132childrenacrossCentralVirginia.Sincethen,Horizonhas becomedeeplyrooted,givingrisetoanorganizationthatcanstandfirmlybesidethosethatseekcarefortheir mentalandbehavioralhealthneeds.Today,Horizonstandsbehindyoutosupportthehealth,independenceand self-worthofthosewhocometousforcare.Inmy26yearsofserviceatHorizon,itiscleartomethatourstrength isadirectresultofthepassionateindividuals,leaders,andcommunitypartnersthatcallHorizonfamily.Theyare therootsthatmakeusstrong.TheybelieveinafuturewhereallVirginianshaveaccesstothebehavioralhealth caretheyneedwhentheyneedit.Theyputtheirpassionintoactioneachdaytoseethatfuturebecomeareality.
Wehavecalledupondeeplyrootedpartnershipstointegratetreatmentandresourcesintothejudicialsystem,the correctionalsystem,thehousingsystem,theschoolsystem,andbeyond.Theresult:asystemofbehavioral healthcarethattranscendsanybarrierthatstandsinthewayofyoulivingyourhealthiestlife.
Thisyear,wehavebranchedfurtherintotheareasofcommunityhousingandcrisisservicestoaddresstwomajor barriersfacingourcommunity;homelessnessandthepsychiatricbedshortage.WithournewestGranttoBenefit HomelessIndividuals,thePermanentSupportiveHousingProgram,andrestructuredCrisisStabilizationService underway,wearepreparingforthehighlyanticipatedestablishmentofaCrisisReceivingCenter.
Pleasejoinmeincelebratingthegrowthofthispastyear,honoringtheserviceandpartnershipthatliefoundational totheplansthatlieahead forthebettermentofourcommunity,asweseektoprovideaccesstotimely,effective, etheburdenofmentalhealthneeds,developmentaldisabilities,andsubstance andtheirfamilies.
dBoardPresident,HorizonOpportunities,Inc.
FROM OUR BOARD CHAIR, BETTY BRICKHOUSE
On behalf of Horizon’s Board of Directors, I am honored to address you in Horizon Behavioral Health’s 2023 Annual Report as we reflect upon a year of marked progress and achievement in the behavioral health field. Horizon continues to expand their capacity and resources to further address the most critical needs of Central Virginians across the lifespan. Chief Executive Officer, Melissa Lucy, Horizon’s Board of Directors, and the dedicated, professional staff at Horizon are a credit to the field and a valued treasure to our clients and community.
Byfocusingoureffortsonbothindividualizedclientcareoutcomesandaddressingthelargersocial determinantsofhealthaffectingthecommunity,wehavebeenabletocreativelymeettheneedsofsomeof ourmostvulnerablepopulationswithindividualized,insightful,andforward-thinkingsolutions.Ourevergrowingportfolioofevidence-basedprogramsisatestamenttoHorizon’scommitmenttoprovidesupport andtreatmentwithsustainableoutcomes.Thisyear,Horizon’sattentivenesstothebarriersourclientsface, includinghomelessnessandthepsychiatricbedcrisis,hastranslatedintoprogramsthatprovidepermanent supportivehousingforadultsandadolescentswithamentalhealthdiagnosisaswellasthepursuitofa CrisisReceivingCenter.
Withtrustedconfidence,Ilooktoahorizonfullofhopeandhealing,whereCentralVirginiarestsinthe capablecareofourCommunityServicesBoard,HorizonBehavioralHealth.
BettyBrickhouse
ChairmanoftheBoard,HorizonBehavioralHealth
2023 Board Directors of
Betty Brickhouse, Chair
Andy Crawford, Secretary
Sonya Baker
Justin Carwile
Chris Faraldi
Jim Sikkema, Vice-Chair
Rob Merryman, Treasurer
Able Loper
Gary Marple
Bobby Shiflett
Mary Lou Spiggle
Total Clients Served
12,125
54 YEARS OF SERVICE
Number of Adults Served
8,993
Number of Children Served
3,132 Enrolled in Treatment Services
6,748 Engaged with Prevention Services
14,736
WHO WE SERVE
Our vision is to provide behavioral healthcare servi accessible, consumer-centered, cost effective, and out based. We strive to make that vision a reality by ens residents in Central Virginia have equitable access available at our seven Wellness Centers throughout We are proud to offer behavioral health services to a Virginia residents, regardless of age, income, or ins
Providing You Providing You
SAME DAY CARE
COMMUNITY BASED CRISIS
‘Right help right now’ is a three-year plan designed to transform Virginia’s behavioral health system by activating a sixpillared approach to address behavioral health challenges, encompassing crisis care, law enforcement burden, substance use disorder support, behavioral health workforce and service delivery innovation. The plan outlines specific action steps to support coordinated solutions to address the shortcomings of the current behavioral health system which has proved insufficient in meeting the increasing needs of Virginians in crisis.
OUR COMMITMENT TO TRANSFORMING BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE IN CENTRAL VIRGINIA
PILLAR 1: OFFER SAME-DAY CARE FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CRISES
We must strive to ensure accessible, same-day care, evidence-based assessment, and timely service provision for individuals experiencing behavioral health crises.
PILLAR 2: RELIEVE LAW ENFORCEMENT BURDENS & REDUCE CRIMINALIZATION OF MENTAL HEALTH
We must support our law enforcement partners through crisis response training, resource provision, and care coordination while reducing the criminalization of behavioral health.
PILLAR 3: EXPAND CAPACITY TO SERVE PEOPLE
We must develop more capacity to serve our communities where they are, pushing past barriers and going beyond hospitals, by expanding the use of communitybased care, increasing access to telehealth, and increasing school-based support for students.
CARE
MENTAL HEALTH
SUBSTANCE USE
Governor Glen Youngkin’s three-year comprehensive plan emphasizes considerate investments in Virginia’s behavioral health system to further support the work of Community Services Boards, such as Horizon. In response, we have boldly stepped up to the challenge of addressing the challenges our communities are facing in light of the longstanding, nationwide mental health crisis and opioid epidemic by implementing and expanding evidence-based treatment modalities, strengthening the behavioral health workforce, investing in the power of prevention, and capitalizing on resources that promise long-term impact in Central Virginia.
PILLAR 4: TARGET SUPPORT FOR SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS & OVERDOSE
We must provide targeted support for substance use disorder (SUD) and strategic efforts to prevent overdose through capacity building and community mobilization to create effective community change.
PILLAR 5: STRENGTHEN BEHAVIORAL HEALTH WORKFORCE
We must continue to make our behavioral health workforce a priority, by advocating on behalf of the field, investing in employee development, demonstrating employee value, and prioritizing employee health.
PILLAR 6: IDENTIFY INNOVATIONS TO CLOSE CAPACITY GAPS
We must identify and initiate innovations and best practices in care services across the continuum by pursuing bestin-class solutions and leveraging empirically supported treatment options to close capacity gaps.
OUTCOMES
SAME DAY CARE
Same Day Assessments Provided 3,189
forindividualsexperiencinga behavioralhealthcrisis. same day assessments provided. 3,189 of individuals were offered an appointment within 10 business days. 86% of children in a psychiatric emergency seen within 2 hours. 100% Emergency services available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
At Horizon, providing right help, right now means supporting an individual from the moment they decide to seek help and providing an accessible place to receive high quality behavioral health care, as soon as possible. In 2023, Horizon provided 3,189 same-dayassessments which offer new clients an evidence-based preliminary screening and risk assessment at the point of first contact. If the screening identifies an emergency or crisis need, an immediate response with appropriate emergency services is activated.
This year, Horizon achieved it’s benchmark performance goal by successfully offering an appointment to 86% of individuals within 10 business days following a same-day-assessment. This measure is telling of our efforts to close the gap between initial assessment and the onset of treatment, a strong indicator of a client's continued engagement in voluntary treatment. At this stage of change, people are believed to be at greatest risk for relapse in their decision to receive help. For this reason, we proudly recognize and honor the 2,141 Horizon clients who kept their first appointment within 30 days since their initial same day assessment.
Timelyserviceprovisionintheeventofabehavioralhealthcrisisisacriticalcomponentofourcontinuumofcare,andit beginswithemergency&crisisservices.Ouremergencyservicesteampre-screensandassessesindividualsexperiencinga crisisandisavailabletoconnectthemtoappropriateservices24hoursaday,7daysaweek.
Infiscalyear2023,100%ofchildren,under18yearsold,experiencingapsychiatricemergencywereseenwithin2hours,and all ofthosechildrenreceivedafollow-upwithin7days.Additionally,763emergencyevaluationswereprovidedtoindividuals whowereplacedunderanEmergencyCustodyOrder(ECO)duetoasuspectedmentalillnessthatplacesanindividual,or others,atriskofharm.Underthesecircumstances,Horizoninvitesafamilymemberorsignificantothertobeinvolvedwith theassessmentprocess,asappropriate,andassistsindividualswithfindinghospitalbedplacement,ifnecessary.Whenthe assessmentfindsthatapersonisnotinneedofhospitalization,Horizonmakeseveryefforttolinkindividualstosupportsand servicesintheirowncommunity,wheretheyhavethebestopportunityforlong-termrecoveryandsustainablesupport.
When a mental health professional identifies that an individual needs to be hospitalized based on the emergency evaluation, but the person is either unwilling to go, or is unable to make the decision for themselves, Horizon petitions the Court to issue a Temporary Detention Order (TDO). Meanwhile, Horizon conducts an ongoing hospital bed search, making every effort to get the individual in crisis the treatment that they needed to achieve stabilization.
[You] just walk in, and it’s lifesaving.
If Horizon didn’t have the walk-in service, it would have taken me longer to schedule that first appointment and make the effort to get the help I needed.
- Horizon Client
OUTCOMES
SUPPORTING LAW ENFORCEMENT
Same Day Assessments Provided 3,189
By reducing criminalization of behavioral health.
100%
of youth enrolled in Multisystemic Therapy report improved family relations and network of supports. 97% of cases with no reportable injuries to an officer, individual being served, or bystander after Crisis Intervention Team involvement. 96% of Horizon clients served in the jail are screened for eligibility & referred to appropriate services post-discharge.
Horizonismakingmeasurableprogresstodecriminalizemental illnessbyintegratingcommunity-basedbehavioralhealthcareand informedbehavioralresponsewithinourcommunities.
Jailsandprisonsarenotequippedtomeetthementalhealthneeds ofincarceratedindividuals.Infact,studiesshowincarcerationcan worsenmentalhealth,andover40%ofpeopleinjailsandprisons havebeendiagnosedwithamentalhealthdisorder.Thishighlights theimportanceofHorizon’sjaildiversionserviceswhichaimto connectformerlyincarceratedindividualstomentalhealthcare.
HorizonprovidescounselingservicestoinmatesattheAmherst CountyAdultDetentionCenterandtheCityofLynchburgJailona weeklybasis.Clientscaneitherrequestservicesorbereferredbya mentalhealthprofessionalwithinthejail.Uponreleasefromjail, clientsareofferedtransitionalcasemanagementservicesand additionalsupporttohelpthemestablisharesidence,employment andotherbasicneedsimmediatelyfollowingtheirrelease.In2023, 138ofindividualshademploymentopportunitieslinedupupon release.Inmanycases,theverydayanindividualisreleased, Horizonwillbetheretoensuretheclienthasthemeanstogetto theirfirstappointment.
Horizoncontinuestoseekoutmethodsofpreventing individualswithseverementalillnessfrombeing incarceratedsuchastheestablishmentofaBehavioral HealthTreatmentDocketintheCityofLynchburg.
Horizonalsoworkscloselywiththelocalcourtsystem toidentifyandconnectwithyouthandadolescents, ages12-17,whohavecommittedafirst-timeoffense. OurMultisystemicTherapy(MST)Programfocuses onempoweringcaregiverstoassistandhelpaddress thechallengestheiryouthoradolescentmaybe experiencingbyimprovingrelationshipstheydevelop inschools,intheirneighborhood,andathome.The benefitofthisapproachistreatingtheproblem behaviorearlyandwithinachild’snaturalenvironment. Inthisuniquemodeloftreatment,familiesareinvited tobecollaboratorsinthedevelopmentoftheir treatmentplan.In2023,97%offamilymembersupon dischargereportedhavingtheparentingskillsnecessary tohandlefutureproblems.
“Iappreciatethepassionthateachinstructor broughttotheirsessions.Itwasveryobvious thatwewerelearningfromhard-workingand dedicatedpeople.Incomingtogether,weare remindedthatweareacommunityof providersthateachplayaveryvitaland uniqueroleinhowaperson’soutcomecanbe positivelyornegativelyimpactedbyour response.It’sbeenamazingtoseehow everyoneworkstogethertohelpour community. ”
-CrisisInterventionTeamGraduates
The lack of mental health crisis services across the U.S. has resulted in law enforcement officers serving as first responders to most crises, including mental health related crises. The Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) program is an innovative, community-based approach to improve the outcomes of these encounters. Horizon is dedicated to supporting our law enforcement by providing quarterly CIT trainings to instruct effective mental health crisis response. In 2023, 100 individuals were CIT trained, and 430 clients were served by Central Virginia’s Crisis Intervention Team.
OUTCOMES
BUILDING CAPACITY
Same Day Assessments Provided 3,189
by enhancing communitybased services.
679
98 students served by our school based team.
Horizon’ssevenWellnessCentersandTreatmentCenterarelocated acrossCentralVirginiainthecountiesofAmherst,Appomattox, Bedford,Campbell,andtheCityofLynchburg.Oureffortsto providetreatment,bridgeaccessandremovebarrierstocareextend beyondHorizon’sWellnessCentersandintothecommunity.
ProgramslikeAssertiveCommunityTreatment,GivingTree,Grants toBenefitHomelessIndividuals,MultisystemicTherapy,Permanent SupportiveHousing,andWomen’sRecoveryhelpustacklethe essentialneedsofourclients,likefood,water,sleep,shelter,anda supportivehomeenvironmentsotheycanfocusontheirtreatment andrecovery.Theseprogramsallowclientstoremainintheir naturalenvironmentwheretheyhavethebestchanceofsuccess withapositivesystemofsupport. home visits to clients enrolled in Assertive Community Treatment. 296 Sweet Briar College students utilized Horizon’s walk-in crisis clinic.
31
“After I got out of jail, I was homeless, jumping from couch to couch. I was ready to give up, ready to quit. Then I got the phone call from Horizon: they found me a place to live. It was such a relief to know I would no longer have to wake up in the middle of the night without power or water. I would have given up a long time ago had it not been for Horizon and all that they did to support me” - Horizon Client, Permanent Supportive Housing Program individuals connected to Permanent Supportive Housing.
“I used to have a lot of anger, but Horizon has helped me with that. I like that they give you a goal. It really puts me on the right track. [My] Clinician has helped me get over my fears and make it more comfortable to be around people that I am new to. I feel like
I can talk to you all and not hide what is going on in my life.”
- Horizon Clients, School Based Services
Horizonprovidesschoolbasedbehavioralhealthservicesthat equipstudentswiththetoolsandskillsneededtothrive, academicallyandsocially,withinandbeyondtheschool setting.Horizon’sschoolbasedteamprovidesoutpatient therapyandcasemanagementservicesin23schoolsin CentralVirginia.Servicesprovidedareevidence-basedand focusonassistingK-12studentsinmeetingtheirmental healthneedswhileremainingintheiracademicsetting.Ona day-to-daybasis,weworkcloselywithparents,teachers,and otherschoolpersonneltomeetthewholisticneedsofeach studentbylinking,assessing,andcoordinatingserviceswhile provideongoingsupportduringandaftertheschoolday.In 2023,Horizonexpandedschoolbasedservicesofferedin BedfordCountytoincludetwoadditionalelementaryschools.
HorizonalsopartnerswithSweetBriarCollegetoprovide on-sitementalhealthservicestostudentsthroughoutthe academicsemester.OurLicensedProfessionalCounselors, locatedon-campus,offerdailywalk-incrisissupportand individualcounseling.In2023,anevidence-based‘Seeking Safety’trainingwasofferedtoeducateallstudentson emotionalregulationskillstomanagesymptomsrelatedto mooddisorders,trauma,andsubstanceuse.
Inadditiontocommunity-basedtreatment,Horizonis equallypassionateaboutaddressingrootcausesthat contributetotheonsetofmanybehavioralhealthissues throughcommunity-basedprevention.Weremain vigilantinidentifyingthoserootcausessuchaslackof awareness,access,andeducation.Horizon’sprevention teamiscommittedtounderstandingandaddressing substancemisuse,promotingresiliency,mentalwellness, andequippingfamiliestorespondtorelatedbehavioral healthchallengesthatindividualsfaceateveryage,such asproblemgamblingandsuicide.Thegoalistoaddress urgentsubstancemisuseproblemsfacingour communities,promotementalwellness,andprevent suicideincollaborationwithalliedcommunitypartners.
In2023,Horizondistributed115medicationlockboxes, 649medicationdisposalbagsand156gunlocksto individualsandfamiliesacrossCentralVirginia.Over 200individualsweretrainedinREVIVE,Virginia’s opioidoverdoseresponsetraining.Additionally, 284residentsweretrainedtoidentify,understand, andrespondtoadversechildhoodexperiences.
SUBSTANCE USE TREATMENT
Same Day Assessments Provided 3,189
Offering prevention, early intervention, and recovery support.
209 of Women’s Recovery clients showed improvement at discharge. 95% lbs. of prescription drugs collected in partnership with local law enforcement. 635.9
Lynchburg Adult Recovery Court graduates. 16
Horizon’sWomen’sRecoveryResidenceprovidessupportive, stablehousingandresidentialtreatmentforwomenwithcooccurringmentalillnessandsubstanceusedisorders.Werecently relocatedthisprogramtonearbyBedford,Virginia,where residentsareprovidedasafe,supportive,andhighlystructured environmentthateliminatesmajorbarrierstosuccessfully completetreatmentandinitiateandsustainlong-termrecovery. Thiseight-bedresidenceisstaffed24/7andofferstransportation fromthisresidencetoandfromtreatmentatHorizon. community members trained in opioid overdose response with life-saving naloxone.
Inmedicine,thesaying,“anounceofpreventionisworthapound ofcure”emphasizesthevalueinpreventingnegativebehaviors beforetheytakeroot.HereatHorizon,wesupportourlocalyouth intheireffortstoleadaspositiveexamplesamongsttheirpeers andweempowerthemwiththeknowledgeandskillsnecessaryto makehealthydecisionsstartingintheclassroom,byteachingthe evidencedbased‘TooGoodforDrugs’curriculum.Thisfiscal year,299highschoolstudentscompletedthecourse,and98%of thosestudentsreported“’TooGoodForDrugs’helpedmeto becomemoreknowledgeableaboutdrugs,alcohol,andtobacco usageandthehealthrisksassociatedwitheach.”
“The
Nurturing Parenting Program gave me insight on how to deal with my own emotions while also managing [my] children at the same time.
I don’t think I would have gotten as far as I have without Horizon.”
- Horizon Client, Project Link Program
Horizon’sProjectLinkProgramrecentlyachievedits’successful yearoneimplementationbenchmark,proudlyhavingserved88 individualsinCentralVirginia.Theprogramisdedicatedto addressingbarriersthatpreventmanypregnantandpostpartum womenfromreceivingtreatmentservicessuchaschildcareand transportation.Infiscalyear2023,theteamwaslinkedto approximately240womentofollowuponsubstanceexposed infantreports.Programparticipantswereprovidedthe opportunitytoparticipateintwoevidencebasedprograms offered:SeekingSafetyandNurturingParenting.
Horizonhasalsorecentlyexpandeditstreatmentoptionsfor substanceusedisordersbyaddinganewsubstanceusetreatment modeltoitsreserve,namelytheAdolescentCommunity ReinforcementApproach(A-CRA),whichaimstoserve adolescentsinAmherstCountyandbeyondbyreinforcing positivebehaviorsandinvolvingfamiliesandprimarycaregivers inthetreatmentplan.
PARTNERSHIP SPOTLIGHT
Lynchburg Adult Recovery Court
Where I was a few months back, I’m not that person anymore. I appreciate every single one of you that helped me get on the right track.
- Lynchburg Adult Recovery Court Graduate
Eachyear,morethan150,000individualsinthe UnitedStateswhoenterthecriminaljusticesystem duetoaddiction,canreceivelifesavingtreatment, achancetorepairtheirlives,reconnectwiththeir families,andfindlong-termrecoverythrough programsliketheLynchburgAdultRecoveryCourt. Madepossiblethroughstrongcollaborative partnerships,sixteenindividualshavesuccessfully graduatedsincetheprogram’sinception.
Infiscalyear2023,theprogramwasawardeda BureauofJusticeAdministration(BJA)grantto expanditsservicesandsupports.Theprogramcan nowenrollanadditional15participantsperyearto serveanadditional60participantsoverthe four-yeardurationofthegrant.
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH WORKFORCE
Equipping professionals with tools and resources.
Horizonisaproudemployerofnearly500talentedprofessionals thatplayanintegralroleinprovidingbehavioralhealthcare servicestotheCentralVirginiaregion,bothdirectlyand indirectly.Horizon’sTalentManagementDepartmentsupportsour workforcebyensuringemployeeadherencetomandated,ongoing trainingsaswellaspromotingongoingemployeeskills enhancement.Thisyear,Horizonhasupdatedouremployee learningmanagementsystem,therebyimprovingefficiencyand accessibilitytoongoingtrainingopportunitiesforallHorizon employees.
DuetoadeeplyrootedhistoryofserviceinCentralVirginiaand theexpertiseofatenuredworkforce,Horizonispositionedwellto offervaluableinsightandeducationtothelaycommunity. Horizonembracesthisresponsibilitywiththeutmostcare,by pursuingopportunitiesforourworkforcetoadvocateonbehalfof thebehavioralhealthfield,aswellasourclientsandcommunity, throughactiveandcollaborativemediaengagement.Thisyear, eighteenHorizonemployeeswereaddedtoHorizon’sSpeakers Bureau.Theyparticipatedin75+mediainterviewstoshinealight onrelevantcommunitydataandnewsthatintersectedwithmental health,substanceuse,and/ordevelopmentaldisabilities.
As the premiere provider of behavioral health services in Central Virginia, Horizon has made a marked effort to pursue new avenues of grant funding to provide regular trainings for all clinical staff and continually expand its trove of evidencebased programs. In 2023, Horizon boasts utilization of more than 20 evidence-based programs.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach/Assertive Continuing Care I Anger Management: Keeping Your Cool I Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule I Bridges Out of Poverty I Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Counter Tools Merchant Education I Early Impact Virginia I Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing I Hidden in Plain Sight Illness Management & Recovery I Lions Quest: Positive Life Skills I Matrix Model I Moral Reconation Therapy I Motivational Enhancement Therapy I Multi Systemic Therapy I Nurturing Parenting I Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies I Seeking Safety I Too Good For Drugs Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
“Wearemakingadifferenceinour community,andittakesallof Horizontodothat.There’sagreat environmenthere.It’safamily environment,anurturing environment,ahelpingenvironment. It’saplaceyoucantrulyplant yourselfandgrow.IamwhereIam todaybecauseofHorizon, professionally.Ihavebeengiventhe opportunitytotakeadditional trainings,pursuecertificationsand licensurewhilereceivingfreeclinical supervision."
-RhondaTurner,Clinical Coordinator,OutpatientServices, HorizonBehavioralHealth
Horizon has also made organizational history in it’s efforts to ensure our team of talented professionals are compensated appropriately, with careful consideration to market and internal equity. In fiscal year 2023, Horizon assessed current market trends and conducted internal benchmarking to develop a comprehensive compensation proposal for executive leadership consideration.
The result: A comprehensive compensation plan went into effect which included implementation of a new paygrade structure, a 3.5% performance-based salary increase for all Horizon employees, and employee bonuses. Horizon’s Executive Leadership Team is proud to have implemented the largest budgeted compensation plan in Horizon's history.
OUTCOMES
PROVIDING INNOVATIVE SERVICES
Same Day Assessments Provided 3,189
With a focus on evidencebased practices.
of clients reported increased coping skills in Illness Management and Recovery (IMR). 93%
259
16 local tobacco/nicotine retailer store assessments conducted using Counter Tools.
53,279 Bedford Family Treatment Court graduates since program inception.
Prescriptions filled on-site by Genoa Pharmacy.
Horizoniscommittedtoleadingthewayinhealthcareinnovations toaddresssocioeconomicbarriersandfactorsimpactingthe mentalhealthoftheindividualsandfamiliesweserve.Eachof ourprogramsarerootedinevidence-basedpracticessupportedby datatosupporttreatmenteffectivenessandclientsuccess.
IllnessManagementandRecovery(IMR)isatreatmentmodel, recentlyadoptedbyHorizon,designedtoinstillindividualswith theknowledgeandskillsnecessarytocopewithaspectsofmental illnesswhilemaintainingandachievinggoalsinrecovery.One clientshares“MyexperiencewithIMRwasveryhelpful.Itgave metipsandtoolstousewhenIfeelI'mgoingtobedepressed.It alsogavemeresponsibilitytolookforstressorsandhowtodeal withthem.”Infiscalyear2023,Horizontrained15professionals inthisevidencebasedtreatmentmodelandserved119individuals intheprogram.Furthertellingoftheprogram’ssuccess;Horizon washonoredbyaninvitationtopresentIMRprogramoutcomesat the2023NationalHealthResourcesandServicesAdministration ConferenceleadingtopublicationintheGlobalImplementation ResearchandApplicationsJournal,atruehonortorepresentthe fieldonaninternationalstage.
- Horizon Client
“The
IMR program has given me great clarity by breaking topics down step by step. Having a relapse prevention plan written out is something I will refer back to often to prevent hospitalization."
- Horizon Client “The Illness Management and Recovery (IMR) Program has helped me grow, mature, and not give up hope. It gives me strength and has helped me believe in myself."
Horizonisproudtocelebrateresultsfroma2023community compliancecheckof29tobaccoretailers,demonstratingan impressive93%compliancerateofmerchantsacrossCentral Virginiaandunderscoringthecommitmentoflocalretailers toensuresubstancesarekeptoutofthehandsofminorsin partnershipwithHorizonthroughtheCounterToolsprogram. Everytwoyears,Horizonvisitsapproximately259 tobacco/nicotineretailerstoconductanenvironmental assessment,offertoolsandeducatestoreownerstoprevent thesaleofsubstancestopersonsundertheageof21aswell aspreventtheunintentionalmarketingofproductstominors.
SuccessfuloutcomesarefurthercelebratedbyHorizon’s ProgramofAssertiveCommunityTreatmentwhichprovided 2,366homevisitstoenrolledclients.Theprogramprovides long-termneededtreatment,rehabilitation,andsupport servicestoindividualswithsevereandpersistentmental illness.Withimmenseprideintheprogressandgrowthofthe individualsservedinthisprogram,wereportthat100%of clientsintheCityofLynchburgservedbytheAssertive CommunityTreatmentteamweresuccessfullydischarged.
TheBedfordFamilyTreatmentDrugCourtisa collaborativeinitiativedesignedtorestore,reunite,and strengthenfamiliestoensureoptimalhealthandsafety ofallmembers.Thisevidencebasedmodelofcareisan effectivepathwaytoreunitechildrenwithparentswho havelostorareindangeroflosingcustodyasaresult ofopioid/substanceuse.Thevoluntaryprogramhas resultedin16graduates,29childrenreunitedwiththeir parentsand26participantfamilymemberslinkedto servicessinceprograminception.Horizonisproudto workcollaborativelyalongsidededicatedpublicservice providersinBedford,Virginia,whosepartnershiphas establishedafirmfootingfortheprogram’sfuture successandcontinuedgrowth.
Oneoftheprogram’smostrecentgraduates,Victoria Haileyshares“I’vegainedbackeverypersonthatIlost becauseofmyaddiction.Ihavegainedbacktheir trust.”Whiletheprogramwasdifficult,shesaiditwas wellworththefight.“Itwassoworthit.Igainedmy self-confidencebackandIgainedmyselfback.”
OUTCOMES
HORIZON HOMES
Same Day Assessments Provided 3,189
Providing intermediate care for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. individuals served by Horizon’s intermediate care team.
36
“As parents, we have been comforted to know that all of you truly care for your clients, and our daughter, even though we ’ re unable to be there.”
- Resident Family Member
HorizonHomesareIntermediateCareFacilitiesthatoffer continuous,directcaretwenty-four(24)hoursperday,andactive treatmentinfunctionalskillstocreateanenvironmentinwhich individualswithdevelopmentalandintellectualdisabilitiescan livesafelywiththecaretheyneedtoexcelandgrow.
Horizon’seightIntermediateCareHomes,locatedthroughout LynchburgandMadisonHeights,Virginia,offeredtheresources, care,andsupportfor32individualstocallHorizon‘home’in 2023.Thisyear,ourresidentswereoverjoyedtosafelyreturnto theirdaysupportprogramswheretheyenjoyedoutingstoparks, themovietheater,themall,restaurants,andvisitswithfamily and/orfriends,inadditiontotheirregularmedicalappointments. TheIntermediateCareTeamsatHorizonfacilitatedmultiple specialeventsinpartnershipwithlocalchurchessuchas Christmascarolingandgiftdistribution,afallfestivitiescamp, andmemorialceremonytohonorandrememberthelivesof belovedformerresidents.WealsowelcomedanewPhysicianto ourcareteamthisyear.
Withheavyheartsandwarmmemories,Horizonheld memorialservicesforfourofourbelovedresidentswhohave calledHorizon home untiltheirrecentpassing.Horizon’s BowyerandWarrenHomeswelcomedresidents,families, andintermediatecarestafftoacelebrationoflifeinMarch, 2023.AmyFerguson,HorizonResidentialManager,explains “Wechosetoholdthreedaysofmemorialservicestoallow asmanydirectcarestaffandresidentsfromtheother HorizonHomestoattendaspossiblebecausetwoofthe residentshadlivedatotherHorizonHomespriortomoving toHorizon’sWarrenHome.”
DirectcarestaffatHorizonwhohadsupportedtheresidents overtheyearswroteremembranceswhichweresharedatthe memorialceremonyalongsideframedpicturesofthe residentswhowillremainaffectionatelyintheheartsand memoriesofthosewhoknewthem.Friendsandfamily attendedtheservicesoverthecourseofthreedays,enjoying atimeofreflectionandremembranceofspecialmemories sharedwitheachoftheresidents.
“Wordscannotexpressthe gratitudethatmyfamilyandI haveforyouramazing performance,dayinandday out.Yourloveand commitmentisundeniable.
[Ourson’s]smilespeaks volumes.”
-ResidentFamilyMember
Looking ahead, the team is hopeful to continue offering special outings by expanding Horizon‘s transportation fleet, pursuing additional community partnerships, coordinating memorable events for our residents, and continuing to offer more opportunities for residents to make lasting memories with their loved ones and each other.
“Toafamilymember, thecomfortofknowingthatour lovedonesarewellcaredfor meansmorethanwordscan express.Ithasbeenatremendous blessingknowingthattheirwellbeingisingoodhands.”
-ResidentFamilyMember
RIDE OF OUR LIVES
2ND
ANNUAL
OUTCOMES
MOTORCYCLE RIDE & RALLY
RIDE OF OUR LIVES
3,189
Eliminating
stigma in Central Virginia by bringing awareness to mental health and suicide.
In September, motorcycle bikers filled the streets once again as the community came together to rally around the importance of mental health and suicide awareness. Horizon partnered with the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, Harley Davidson of Lynchburg, the Suicide Prevention Awareness (SPA) Coalition of Central Virginia, New Freedom Farm, and the Christian Motorcycle Association, among others, to host the second annual awareness ride to promote open dialogue and early conversations around mental illness, addiction and suicide.
“This event is very special to Horizon. It is an opportunity for us to connect with our community and join forces with community partners who are equally passionate about preventing suicide and bringing awareness to mental health, at a time when many families here in our community are remembering and honoring the lives of loved ones lost to suicide.”
-Melissa Lucy, Horizon CEO
HORIZON’S 2023
TEAM SPOTLIGHTS
An initiative to demonstrate employee value and contribution in the pursuit of our mission.
Thefamiliarsaying,“alonewecandosolittle, togetherwecanaccomplishsomuch”reminds usthatitisequallyimportanttocelebrate accomplishmentsbothindividuallyand collectively,together,asoneHorizon.
Horizon’s2023TeamSpotlightsInitiative designatedonemonthoftheyeartospotlight oneormoreofourHorizonteamsin recognitionoftheirhardworkand irreplaceablerolewithinourorganization.On eachdesignatedmonth,ateamwas ‘spotlighted’tosharethescopeoftheirefforts andcelebratetheirprogram’ssuccesseswith theentireorganization.Thegoalofthe initiativewastodemonstratethevalueofeach Horizonemployeeandhelpallofourteams betterunderstandtheuniquerolesacrossthe organizationthatserveasavaluable componentinourorganization’soverall success.
Horizon’sExecutiveLeadershipTeam metwitheachteamtocongratulate themonrecentaccomplishments withanintimatecelebration andwarmcomradery.
dg the year and your irreplaceable role May this spotlight be an encouraging reminder of how important each of our team's contributions are to the overall success of our organization, and our ability to provide quality care to our clients and community.”
internationallyrecognizedstandardsofserviceandcare.
-Melissa Lucy, Horizon CEO
