Golden Anniversary Edition ANNUAL REPORT TO OUR COMMUNITIES 2022 Covering July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022 MERIDIAN
Table of Contents
“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
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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 OfficerMeridian’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%
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.
Averaged across all programs for adults and chilren.
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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
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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
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
23
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.
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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
30
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.
•
•
•
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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
352-374-5600 | mbhci.org | 800-330-5615 33
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Behavioral Healthcare, Inc. is
MAIN BUILDING 4300 SW 13th STREET GAINESVILLE, FL 32608 LOCAL: 352-374-5600 TOLL FREE: 800-330-5615 MBHCI.ORG FEEDBACK@MBHCI.ORG @MBHCI ON:
Meridian
an affiliate of: and is funded in great part by the following partners:
