2022 Meridian Annual Report by mbhci

Golden Anniversary Edition ANNUAL REPORT TO OUR COMMUNITIES 2022 Covering July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022 MERIDIAN

“We are committed to the wellness of our team and having Meridian as a resource is invaluable. They are essential to our community, and we will continue to support their

06 - A 50-Year Journey 04 - Letter from the CEO 02 - Meridian’s Leadership 01 - Executive Summary 08 - Workplace of Choice 10 - Summary of Services 20 - Financial Summary 22 - Thank You’s! 28 - Awards 31 - A Look Ahead

mission.”

Kevin Spellicy - Principal, Campbell Spellicy Engineering

Our Mission

To promote the health, recovery, and well-being of those affected by mental illnesses and substance use disorders through prenvention, coordinated treatment, and supportive services.

Our Values

Collaboration, Efficiency & Effectiveness, Initiative, Innovation & Growth, Integrity, and Accountability

Our Vision

Hope, recovery, and wellness are within everyone’s reach.

Our Community Impact

While Meridian was OFFICIALLY ESTABLISHED IN 1996, the organization’s ORIGINS can be traced back as far as 1971.

Meridian continued to grow through the pandemic, INCREASING access to treatment with TWO NEW OFFICES.

TELEHEALTH remained an effective alternative to in-person visits, being utilized by 13K+ INDIVIDUALS last fiscal year.

Meridian provided over 653K TREATMENT INSTANCES to 21,157 CLIENTS between July 1st, 2021 and June 30th, 2022.

CLIENT SATISFACTION across all programs remained high at 95%, while CLIENT OUTCOMES held steady at 91%.

Our ancillary services through PREVENTION & OUTREACH impacted an estimated 45K INDIVIDUALS in the community.

Meridian continued to provide excellent service, while DECREASING EXPENDITURES by $1.84M.

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Summary Executive

Executive Team

Don P. Savoie President / Chief Executive Officer

Degree: BA Computer Science & Mathematics

Years experience: 30+

Year joined: 2011

Lauren Cohn

Executive VP / Chief Operating Officer

Degree: BA Criminology

Years experience: 18 Year joined: 2017

Teresa Jenkinson

Senior VP / Chief Financial Officer

Degree: Masters of Business Administration

Years experience: 25+

Year joined: 2020

2 Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc.

Richard Anderson

Senior VP / Chief Clinical Officer

Degree: BA Psychology

Years experience: 40+

Year joined: 1981

Alan Paulin

Senior VP / Chief Clinical & Community Officer

Elizabeth Lain-Hall

Senior VP / Chief Human Resources Officer

Degree: MS in Clinical Social Work

Years experience: 35+ Year joined: 1997

Degree: MS Human Resources Management

Years experience: 12

Year joined: 2021

Joy Riddle

Senior VP / Chief Development Officer

Degree: MA Business

Years experience: 20

Year joined: 2018

Board of Directors

“Fifty years is a long time of positively impacting lives, families, and communities. I’m so proud of the dedication, passion, and compassion put forth by our team of experts at Meridian. We’re looking forward to the next 50 years of transformation and growth.” Tina Seifert, Board Chair Christina Seifert Chair Columbia Jeff Feller Vice-Chair Alachua Bob Milner At-large Bradford Patricia Knight At-large Gilchrist Irma PhillipsMaxwell Alachua Natasha Allen Dixie Jason Cason Levy Kindall Crummey Baker Amanda Thomas Union Paul Metts Alachua Sinoma Brown Emeritus Denise Bennett At-large Becky Sharpe Lafayette Stephanie McClendon Secretary Suwannee

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Letter from the CEO

It is with gratitude and excitement we celebrate Meridian’s 50th anniversary this year. It is difficult to express what fifty years of services mean in words, but we see the impacts of those services on the faces of our friends and neighbors every day. During these past fifty years of providing hope, wellness, and recovery, we have seen many positive changes, such as new and innovative programs, improvements in clinical best practices , better medications and medical protocols , and an increase in dedicated staff . We have experienced significant growth and development, but most importantly, we have seen continued improvement in the community’s perception toward those of us striving to live our best lives while living with mental illness and recovering from substance use. As we celebrate this momentous achievement, it is most certainly a time to reflect on past accomplishments, but it is also time to look forward and prepare to meet the future needs of the communities we serve. The past, although something to be immensely proud of, has been written.

As we look forward to the next fifty years , the future is what we make it and how it takes shape is in our hands. I am optimistic that we can and will improve our system for behavioral healthcare in many ways. We anticipate not only continued growth to meet the growing community need and advancements in models of care, but also a better understanding from our entire community , regarding the impact mental illness and substance use disorder has on individuals and families. Most importantly, we hope to see a

Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc.

50 Years of Service to the NCFL Community

reduction or elimination of stigma surrounding behavioral health, which is one of the largest barriers to seeking treatment for those in need. We should not fear what we do not understand. To evolve as a caring community, we must seek opportunities to educate and embrace compassion , as so many of us will be affected by mental health and substance use in some way during our lifetime.

It is very important to acknowledge that Meridian’s past and future successes are not ours alone. We are just one part of an important collaboration with so many caring and talented individuals and organizations whose missions and goals are aligned for the health and wellness of our communities. New partnerships will ensure our future will be as bright as we know it can be. With the outpouring of support and warmth from communities we serve, I am hopeful that together we can eliminate stigma, provide easy and accessible treatment , and continue to expand on the care and support we provide to our clients, their families, and caregivers.

The future is collectively ours to provide the hope, wellness, and recovery for all those in need, silently suffering from the impacts of mental illness and substance use.

Donald P. Savoie President & CEO

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If reading digital

for a video

version, click above

history of Meridian

A 50-Year Journey in Pictures

Meridian’s long history of service to the North Central Florida community is a tale not uncommon to non-profit entities — working tirelessly to maximize positive impacts, while minimizing resource depletion — but few can celebrate 50 years of growth and service.

1971

North Florida Mental Heath Center (NFMHC) Established to cover 10 counties

1972-78

NFMHC received grants, expanding services to children and seniors, and enhancing treatment for alcoholism

1979

NFMHC’s 10 county zone divided into two with NFMHC servicing Hamilton, Suwannee, Columbia, Lafayette, Union, and Bradford counties and Mental Health Services, Inc. servicing Dixie, Gilchrist, Alachua, and Levy counties

1980-95 Independent growth in both services offered and counties covered

6 Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc.

352-374-5600 | mbhci.org | 800-330-5615 7 1996 NFMHC and Mental Health Services, Inc. merge to form Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc. 2005 First opiate treatment program in North Central Florida opens in Sid Martin Bridge House 2005-10 Total individuals served more than doubled 2018 First Co-responder team, where a licensed counselor rides-along with a police officer, is piloted 2019 Four Mobile Response Teams (MRTs) are launched for 24/7, on-demand service 2020 Telehealth services are significantly ramped up

“From its beginning in 1971, Meridian has been consistently dedicated to maximizing the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities through innovative practices and partnerships.”

Dr. Maggie Labarta

“I

8 Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc.

love working for Meridian. I get up everyday for the community.”

(LongestGenerous Time-Off Wellness Incentives Advancement Opportunities Healthcare Options Competitive Salaries

Choice Why People Join Why People Stay ThePeople The Mission TheExperience The Perks

Betty

Workplace of

Our Staff

Note: All data based on budgeted positions for last fiscal year

352-374-5600 | mbhci.org | 800-330-5615 9 for work knowing that I am making a difference (Longest- tenured staff member with 43 years of service)

Positions by Profession Physicians & APRNS Nursing Admin Clinical / Program Clinical / Licensed 23 152 161 180 197 Positions by Location Union Lafayette Putnam Hamilton Dixie Suwannee Levy Bradford Baker Gilchrist Columbia Alachua 1 1 1 2 3 13 20 21 22 22 151 422

positions = 713

Total

Service Area

Our core service area is comprised of the eleven counties shown at right, each with a white star to indicate the approximate location of an active facility . While some counties saw a decrease in clients served, others saw a comparable increase. In order to continually heighten access to mental healthcare, we’re actively expanding our core service area. Take a look at our most recent expansions beginning on Page 31.

10 Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc.

Key Bradford 294 sq ml 1,439 Baker 585 sq ml 1,064 Columbia 797 sq ml 2,893 Dixie 705 sq ml 717 Lafayette 543 sq ml 199 Union 243 sq ml 578 Other N/A 822 No facilities Suwannee 688 sq ml 1,919 Levy 1,118 sq ml 1,159 Gilchrist 350 sq ml 638 Telehealth N/A 13,232 Alachua 875 sq ml 6,949 Neighboring N/A 1,684 County Name Square Miles Unique Clients Active facilities Hamilton 514 sq ml 560 Homeless N/A 118

2,800+ Clients served

1001-2799 Clients served

501-1000 Clients served

101-500 Clients served

25-100 Clients served

12-24 Clients served

1-11 Clients served

0 Clients served

“These services are so essential as part of our continuum of care given the fact there are so many needs in the community as it concerns mental health, substance abuse, and other challenges.”

Alan Paulin, Chief Clinical and Community Officer

Meridian’s community impact goes well beyond its core service area though. This past fiscal year, our service reach extended into 61 of Florida’s 67 counties. In fact, many residents of Georgia looked to us for services. While we are committed to being North Central Florida’s mental healtcare provider of choice , we are also strategically positioned to serve anyone in need, anywhere in the world through telehealth , which saw over 13K clients last program year.

Service Reach 352-374-5600 | mbhci.org | 800-330-5615 11

Client Demographics

12 Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc.

Age Income Age 0 - 5 257 clients 1.21% 86.66% of clients live at or below poverty line 5.96% live up to 50% above the poverty line 5.61% live up to 300% above the poverty line 1.77% live 300% or move above the poverty line Age 65+ 1,006 clients 4.75% Age 6 - 11 1,604 clients 7.57% Age 12 - 17 3,018 clients 14.24% Age 40 - 64 6,752 clients 31.85% Age 18 - 39 8,563 clients 40.39%

“Throughout my 40 plus years with Meridian, I’m counties to ensuring we have sustainable programs

Gender

Adults

Identifies as male

Identifies as female

Identity unknown

Less than 1% of adult clients’ gender was unknown

There

Less than 1% of youth clients’ gender was unknown

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most proud of how our mission has evolved, from the expansion of our services into surrounding that meet the diverse needs in our communities.”

Richard Anderson, Chief Clinical Officer

Children Race Black/African American 3,341 clients 16%

star = 1%

are 100

White 10,795 clients 51% Unspecified 6,323 clients 30% Asian 63 clients >1% Pacific Islander 12 clients >1% Hispanic 605 clients 3% Native American 60 clients >1%

clients

as male

female

stars on either side of the separators

47% of adult

identified

52% of adult clients identified as

48% of youth clients identified as female 50% of youth clients identified as male Separator

Diagnoses Treated

Each star represents 5%

are filled accordingly; this star equals 2.5%

Children Adults

Note: percentages reflect co-occuring diagnoses and will not add up to 100%

14 Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dementia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.20% 0.00% . . . . . . . General Health Conditions . . . . . . 1.48% 0.00% . . . . . . . . . Personality Disorders . . . . . . . . . 0.27% 0.04%

Behavior, Attention, Conduct Disorders 2.50% 30.73% . . . . . . . . . . . Other Disorders . . . . . . . . . . . 4.58% 4.20% . . . . . . . . . Depressive Disorders . . . . . . . . . 29.50% 35.63% . . . . . . Traumatic Stress Disorders . . . . . . 12.00% 17.94%

. . . . . . . . . Adjustment Disorder . . . . . . . . . 3.84% 19.38% . . . . . . . . . . Bi-polar Disorders . . . . . . . . . . 13.45% 0.76% . . . . . . . . . . . Anxiety Disorder . . . . . . . . . . . 11.10% 11.31% . . Schizophrenia & Psychotic Disorders . . 14.73% 0.58% . . . . . . Autism Spectrum Disorders . . . . . . 0.49% 1.03% . . . . . . . . Substance Use Disorders . . . . . . . 37.84% 1.33%

Stars

15 352-374-5600 | mbhci.org | 800-330-5615 Medication Assisted Treatment 224,573 Counseling / Therapy 103,468 Adult Crisis Stabilization 69,241 Psychiatric Services 49,743 Children’s Crisis Stabilization 46,036 Forensic 27,509 Children’s Community Action Team 25,367 Emergency Screening 19,241 Addictions Receiving / Detox 17,803 Care Coordination 14,382 Psychosocial Rehab 13,398 Family Services 8,150 Bridge House 6,908 Transitions 5,463 The Lodge 5,132 Services Provided Outpatient Services = 472,902 Acute Care Services = 152,321 Residential Treatment = 15,698 Supported Housing = 12,599 Mother’s Intensive Support Treatment 5,290 Intensive Outatient 4,714 Recovery Center 3,500 Joyce House 2,004 Primary Care 1,598 Total Services 653,520

Client Satisfaction and O utcomes

Satisfaction Outcome

Percentage of clients who agreed with the statement, “I received services that were very helpful.”

95%

Percentage of clients who agreed with the statement, “I am better able to cope when things go wrong.”

91%

Averaged across all programs for adults and chilren.

16 Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc.

One More Way We’re Helping Clients

The Brain Factor Podcast!

Launched September 2021 , as a lighthearted, informal podcast that explores how real people maintain or become resilient through evidencebased techniques that increase protective factors. Since the show’s launch, more than 15 episodes have reached an estimated 20K listeners . Podcasts include stories, tips, skills, and laughs through conversation, occasionally with subject matter experts . Thirty-minute episodes drop once a month on the second Wednesday of the month . Subscribe to stay up to date with the latest happenings!

Click image above for complete playlist on YouTube, or scan QR code to the left, or search for “The Brain Factor” on one of these platforms:

Client Stories

“Thanks to Meridian, I finally escaped 25 years of living in the darkness of addiction. Today, I am six months sober and without everyone’s help at Meridian, my higher power, and advocates, I never would have made it this far. Not only do I have my family back, Meridian is a part of my family, too.” Mary

Services that Helped Mary

• Individual Counseling

• Group Therapy

• Peer Support

• Care

Coordination

• Residential Treatment

18 Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc.

Services that Helped Pete

• Individual Counseling

• Group Therapy

• Medicated Assisted Treatment (MAT)

“Meridian absolutely saved my life. I was in a very low place when I began receiving treatment. I have found myself becoming a better person through counseling and the AMAZING counselors/staff who work here. I crave coming in to get things off my chest.” Pete

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Stories

Client

Community Investment

M eridian continued to be a safety net for the men, women, and children of the North Central Florida Community, believing: 1) everyone’s mental health is just as important as their physical health, and 2) both are a human right. It is through decisive leadership and sound business positioning that we are able to cover uncompensated services for the betterment of the entire community.

(EMERGENCY,INPATIENT,

Once indigent care funds from the state and county were exhausted, Meridian provided hundreds of thousands of dollars in services to individuals, despite having no established payment options.

OUTREACH & PREVENTION

$337,701

FAMILY SERVICES

$416,387 REHABILITATION SERVICES

Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc.

$3,613,810

CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND DIVERSION

$1,576,534

$745,784 HOUSING AND SUPPORT

$2,204,690

PSYCHIATRY AND PRIMARY CARE

ACUTE CARE SERVICES

NUMMOC I T Y B A S E D CARE $ 1,4 0 7 3 , 7 3 6 ASSISTEDTREATMENT MEDICATION$6,586,961 OUTPATIENT

AND MOBILERESPONSE)

$15,342,651

SERVICES $5,517,275 RESIDENTIALTREATMENT$3,906,490

352-374-5600 | mbhci.org | 800-330-5615 21 ASSETS REVENUE LIABILITIES NET AS SETS $54.05M $36.5M $12.00M $20.02M $49.87M Financial Summary EXPENDITURES $1.36M $7.70M $2.60M $6.35M q$1.84M  = Increase over last year q = Decrease over last year Organizational Health

Thank You to Our Donors

$10,000 & Above

Queen of Peace Catholic

...Church

Parisleaf $5,000 to $9,999

Assured Partners

Vystar Credit Union

Mrs. Denise G. Bennett

...and Kenneth Bennett

inFaith Community

...Foundation

Infotech

Shey Charitable

...Foundation Inc.

$3,000 to $4,999

John Kaplan*

University of Florida

...Campaign for Charities

First Federal Bank

Quinn Family Charitable

...Foundation

Non Profit Insurance

...Services

$1,000 to $2,999

Florida Food Service

Genoa Healthcare

WellFlorida Council

DATIS, Part of the ...ContinuumCloud

Dr. and Mrs. Ipser

Vanguard Charitable

Mi Apa Latin Cafe*

Mr. and Mrs. Richard T.

...Jones

Don and Karen Savoie

Diane M. Hogan

Bearded Brothers

...Entertainment*

Mary Benedict

Jeff Feller

Mr. Eric Parker

Purvis Gray & Company

Palms Medical Group

Mr. Robert Bachus

CAMPUS USA Credit Union

Gainesville Chamber of

...Commerce

Lowry Financial

Dr. Maurice D. Levy

Bryce and Tracy Burger

O2B Kids*

$500 to $999

Orangetheory Fitness*

Mr. Kip Thorne

Mr. and Mrs. Paulin

Sandy Munson

Campbell Spellicy

...Engineering

Scott and April Schroeder

Karen and James Sprague

Heather Damron

Judith Phillis

$100 to $499

Jewish Council of North

...Central Florida

Facebook

Mr. David Johnson

Amazon Smile Program

Dr. Maggie M. Labarta

Sharon Parker

Kevin Marshall

Joy Riddle and Rudy

...Stankowitz

Tina Seifert

Dr. Stephen Pittman and

...Mrs. Anita Pittman

Joseph Moffa

Clifford Will

Dr. Tonia L. Werner

Mitzvah Makers

Dr. and Mr. Shortelle

Ulla Benny

Drummond Community

...Bank

Mrs. and Dr. Nancy Bitton

Stephanie McClendon

Mr. Robert Milner

Amber Beckham

Ms. and Mr. Debra Main*

Sweetwater Branch Inn*

Wild Adventures

Deborah Gaw

Lauren and Shane Cohn

Robert Norberg

Bob and Connie Stern

Gainesville Health & ...Fitness Center

Tioga Realty

Ms. Jackie Berkelhamer

Kay Chambers

Krystal Chavez

Mr. Randall Mire

Robert and Leslie

...Roseman

Jason Thompson

Lori M. Blanton

Mrs. and Mr. Mihlfeld

Eileen and Stuart Solin

Rose Ann Walker

Maple Street Biscuit

Alphabetized by first name * Is or includes a Gift-in-kind (n) Total Anonymous Donors ... Continuance of Name

The following is a compilation of all donors who made gifts during the 2021-2022 fiscal year.

...Company*

Mr. and Mrs. Anderson

Joanne Edde

Margaret D Green

Melinda Hall

Charles Dean

Julie Moderie

Patricia Stump and Connie

...Young

Sara Desmartin and David

...Greene

Mr. Paul Metts

Irma Maxwell

David Martin

Jason Cason

Mr. Josue Ostolaza

Amanda Thomas

Texas Roadhouse

...Holdings, LLC

Mrs. Linda Skalsky

Mrs. Sonya and Dr. Marvin

...Slott

Laurel and Howard

...Freeman

Lynne Holt

Barbara Kerxton

Marilyn Tubb

Alison Paris

Target

Glory Day Presents, LLC

Celia Burger

Angela L. Choate

Dana Day

Shawn Forziano

Mr. and Mrs. Eric Godet

Joann and Gary Ihas

Reid Ipser

Bonny Ivey

Ms. Rhonda Kerth

Rhonda Kerth Moll

Steve and Randy Kraft

Brooke Lupinacci

Matt Melheim

Beth Mills

Charles Vuille

$99 & Under

Steven Foley

Valeria Gorden

Charles Bell

Tony Malo

Frontstream

Mrs. Leah Vail Compton

Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park*

Mary Ellen Ipser

Marlene and Russell Tuttle

Michelle Lisk

Mrs. and Mr. Karni R. Perez

Beth Solin

Sara Adams

Christopher Angus

Sherrie Barnes

Kayla Blackburn

Justin Crawl

Maryam Deravi

Cary Emerson

Shelbie Finely

Kayla Miller

David Nash

Robert Pettie

Jahzara Winchester

Kanapaha Botanical

...Gardens*

James McDonald

Melanie Nelson

Mary L. Chance

Christina Hill

Carolyn Ascensios

Kathryn Mackey

Thomas Rogers

John Conaty

Elizabeth Ipser Carlson

Vonceil Levine

Kendra Siler-Marsiglio

Judy McGee

Mrs. Suzanne Richardson

Shirley Haberman and

...Stanley A. Rakofsky

Kris and Virginia

...Pagenkopf

Mr. Henri Van Rinsvelt

Ms. Carolyne Freeman

Ms. Ann Dolan

Charities Aid Foundation

...America c/o CyberGrants

Peg Ciraldo

Stuart and Charna Cohn

Melissa Forgione

Michael Giebelhouse

Ms. Sandra C. Hice

Jamie Jorgensen

Fred Ross

Ed Whitehead

PayPal Giving Fund

Stephanie and Michael

...Esposito

Rick Barton

Tim Christensen

Joy Gabrielli

Linda Gallagher

Suzanne Katz

Erin Corcoran

Miles Harris

Sarah Sharpe

Robert Walkiewicz

352-374-5600 | mbhci.org | 800-330-5615

Our Continued Thanks

Dinosaur World*

Irene Kellner

Vickie and Stuart Carver

Kelly Harvey

Angie Beckham

Sun State Federal Credit

...Union

Brooke Adams

Catherine Adams

Shaw Adcock

Eileen Ahlquist

Ariel Anderson

Edwin Beutler

Anjelica Body

Heather Bowland

Bonnie S. Cahill

Kelley Carlson

Kelly Chesser

Alex Clement

Leslie Cox

Dalton Cunningham

Duane Dede

Brooke Dugles

Katie Dunagan

Chuck Fry

Marco Funez

Emely Gazarov

Betty Godshall

Mimi Gonzalez

Priscilla Guariglia

Neelie Harmon

Adonis Harris

Kimberly Hord

Rebecca Hosein

Stacey Huber

Juliet Hunt

Cole Jackson

Morgan Jones

Sarah Jones

Laura Jones

Stephen Karafa

Jessica Katz

Lisa King

Joshua King

Gene King

Gordon Kowalkowski

Katrina Lane

Merlin Leal

Vanessa Lennon-Milian

Lori Leverette

Kurt Linebarger

Matthew Lisko

Eisha Ludtke

Sadie Matteucci

Ken McCague

Vito Montauk

Edward Morse

Heather Nations

Leslie O’Dell

Brandi O’Neal

Kerri Peters

Carly Peterson

Kiah Pfeffer

Lauren Phillips

Mertie Potter

Sabrina Roberts

Julianna Romano

Penny Romano

Hayden Schoster

Laurent Sergile

Kristin Smith

Sam Stone

Jennifer Stuart

Stephanie Thompson

Ricky Thornton

Chris Toppin

Deanna Voll

Yvette Webb

Karen White

Christie Williams

Kandice Williamson

Huntleigh Zhang

Harvey Goldstein

Samantha Sanz-

...Schiappucci

Lourdes Ptschelinzew

Richard Bray

Martin Martinez

Jennifer Nalli

Kerra Knight

Gina Romblad

Carol Wilson

Opus Coffee

Alice Cain

Catherine Coe

Gabby Dalton

Kim Dotts-Hoehnle

Jordanne Fletcher

Allison Henderson

Teresa Jenkinson

Amanda Larson

Abigail Logan

Margaret McCloskey

Monique Moss

Zoie Powe

Terrell Reichow

Gouri Romero

Nicole Rossomano

Christina Santana

Joan Scully

Wendy Shirah

Michal Sidhu

Otto Strasburg

Lucy Sumners

Charles Turley

22 Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc. 24 Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc.

352-374-5600 | mbhci.org | 800-330-5615 23 352-374-5600 | mbhci.org | 800-330-5615 25 Leonardo Washington Amy Wolff Brian Wilson Charmaine Brooks Betty D. Jackson Pamela D. Demers Tina Harkness-Poirier Megan Parker David M. Rountree Heather Handy Ms. Amanda O. Craig Arabella Blizzard April Thompson Shelley Salter Manette Cheshareck Heather L. Cox Pastor Karl Anderson Jennifer Price Chris Riopel Amy Weber Traci C. Wooden Baylee Adams Michelle Balaguer Robin Baxley Shirley Bloodworth Lisa Capps Pamela Carroll Holly Dixon Charles Ely Tracy Foote Alan Geering Jen Homard Vivian A. Jackson Leanna Johnson Karis King Dianne Kowing Stephanie Martin Kady Morris Pingchien Neo Irene Njeru Larz Schwartz John Silvestri Ashley Tozier Debbie Zeak Christy McBee Julie Rada Jeremiah Alberico Staci Bertrand Takisha Holmes Bonnie Kuhl-Nava Sean Miller Eliza Philbin Don Shirley Kelsey Thurman Ms. Reda Buchanan Network for Good Mr. Prudence Tucker Community Bag Program Sherri Cook Ritu Shah Janie Munson Jodi Serrano Ashley E. Johnson Roy N. Blinder Jonathan Kirkland Jeanne Morales Mr. William G. Wall The Benevity Community ...Impact Fund Gabriel Ahn Jules Altier Cailin Lewis Jennifer Weaver Janet Ray Genora L. Dennis Elisabeth Diamond Lacie Amato Elisabeth Bayro Daniel Brenneman Devan Brown Sabrina Busch Debbie Crouch Luis Diaz Niya Dix Tammie Geer Rick Hammond Theresa Heern Kimi Hines Grace Johns Kaley Rak Trish Reilly Mary Benedict Denise Bennett Tara Blythe Heather Damron Steve Datkuliak Joanne Edde Sam Guess Cathy Ipser Jim Ipser Joel Islam Kevin Marshall Chad Paris Eric C Parker Board of Associates

Thank you to Our Corporate Sponsors

Platinum Level

Gold Level

Silver Level

Bronze Level

Supporters

Patrons

26 Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc.

352-374-5600 | mbhci.org | 800-330-5615 27 Alachua County School Board Columbia County School Board Baker County School Board Dixie County School Board Gilchrist County School Board Levy County School Board Bradford County School Board Union County School Board Suwannee County School Board Lafayette County School Board Hamilton County School Board Co-responder Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program Respite and Rapid Response CAT, MRT, and Outpatient Services Mental Health Court Criminal Justice Research Justice System Partners Alachua County Alachua County Gainesville Police Department Alachua County Sheriff’s Office

Community Partners

And

Employee Awards

It is only through the passion and dedication of staff members like these that Meridian is able to realize its vision — Hope, Recovery, and Wellness within everyone’s reach . Each of these awardees exemplified our core values for the betterment of not only our clients, but their colleagues as well.

Innovation Award

of the Year

Employee of the Year Leadership Award

28 Meridian

Healthcare, Inc.

Behavioral

Jennifer Moore Grant Writer Allyson Stewart Forensic Intervention Specialist Supervisor Michelle Lisk VP of Performance and Risk Management Dr. Mathew Nguyen Medical Director of Acute Care Ashley Tozier Senior VP of Medical Services Sammi Schiappucci Quality Improvement Analyst

Hope, Recovery, and Wellness Awards

In recognition of their continuous support, which has only enhanced Hope, Recovery, and Wellness throughout the region.

352-374-5600 | mbhci.org | 800-330-5615 29

Stuart Wegener Retired Criminal Justice Liaison, Alachua County Court Services Judge Denise Ferrero The Eighth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida Matthew Butler Clinician of the Year

Every year, Florida Behavioral Health Association (FBHA) recognizes individuals within the mental healthcare field who go above and beyond. Matthew Butler, a Unit Counselor in our Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU), did just that by volunteering to split his time between Gainesville and Lake City in order to fill a critical gap for the sake of affected children and families.

Credentials

• National Certified Counselor (NCC)

• Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) w/ State of Florida

• Master of Education - MEd, Mental Health Counseling/Counselor

Healthcare, Inc.

Meridian Behavioral

New Locations

Vital, life-saving services should never be out of someone’s reach due to a lack of transportation. That is why a recent needs assessment by the Department of Children and Families resulted in Meridian being awarded licenses to open two new facilities in Marion and Putnam Counties.

•

352-374-5600 | mbhci.org | 800-330-5615 31

Putnam and Ocala Services Provided to Adults & Children Now open!

Outpatient Counseling

•

Group Therapy

Psychiatric Medication Management

Medication

(MAT)

Palatka Office Ocala Office

Assisted Treatment

availble January 2023

A Look Ahead

Central Receiving

ACentral Receiving System

is in process today thanks to the community collaboration led by the City of Gainesville , the Alachua County Commission , Florida State Legislature (through Gainesville Police Department ), and LSF Health Systems to better the quality and access to acute behavioral health services . Their support, desire, and will to improve the lives of those affected by mental health and addictions crisis is a testament to the understanding and strength of our community.

• Championed by City of Gainesville and County of Alachua.

• $3.75M dollars earmarked for this project — $1.5M for construction, $2.25M for operations.

32 Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc.

• Ground-breaking to begin by mid 2023 and grand opening projected to be by Q4 2023.

• Anticipate serving 300 individuals in crisis monthly or close to 4K annually, in coordination with other local healthcare partners.

Wrap Around Services

This is just one example of how we’re expanding wrap around services to help individuals live their best lives. Using a team approach , clients receive counseling, care coordination, primary care, peer services , and psychiatry, with many of the services provided through the local community’s natural supports . The goal of this model is to coordinate care for high need , high utilizers while reducing the trauma associated with crisis for clients, their families, and caregivers