2022 Meridian Annual Report

Golden Anniversary Edition

MERIDIAN

2022

ANNUAL REPORT TO OUR COMMUNITIES Covering July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022

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 mission.”

Kevin Spellicy - Principal, Campbell Spellicy Engineering

01 - Executive Summary 02 - Meridian’s Leadership 04 - Letter from the CEO 06 - A 50-Year Journey 08 - Workplace of Choice

10 - Summary of Services 20 - Financial Summary 22 - Thank You’s!

28 - Awards 31 - A Look Ahead

Executive Summary Our Mission

Our Community Impact

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.

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

Our Values

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

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

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

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.

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

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Executive Team

Don P. Savoie President / Chief Executive Officer

Lauren Cohn Executive VP / Chief Operating Officer

Teresa Jenkinson Senior VP / Chief Financial Officer

Richard Anderson Alan Paulin Elizabeth Lain-Hall Joy Riddle Senior VP / Senior VP / Senior VP / Senior VP / Chief Clinical Chief Clinical & Chief Human Chief Development Officer Community Officer Resources Officer Officer

Degree: BA Computer Science & Mathematics Years experience: 30+ Year joined: 2011

Degree: BA Criminology Years experience: 18 Year joined: 2017

Degree: Masters of Business Administration Years experience: 25+ Year joined: 2020

Degree: BA Psychology Years experience: 40+ Year joined: 1981

2

Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc.

Degree: MS in Clinical Social Work Years experience: 35+ Year joined: 1997

Degree: MS Human Resources Management Years experience: 12 Year joined: 2021

Degree: MA Business Years experience: 20 Year joined: 2018

Board of Directors Christina Seifert

Jeff Feller

Stephanie McClendon

Bob Milner

Patricia Knight

Irma PhillipsMaxwell

Chair Columbia

Vice-Chair Alachua

Secretary Suwannee

At-large Bradford

At-large Gilchrist

Jason Cason

Amanda Thomas

Denise Bennett

Paul Metts

Kindall Crummey

Natasha Allen

Levy

Union

At-large

Alachua

Baker

Dixie

Becky Sharpe

Sinoma Brown

Lafayette

Emeritus

Alachua

“Fifty years is a long time of positively impac ting lives, families, and communities. I’m so proud of the dedica tion, passion, and compassion pu t forth by our team of experts a t Meridian. We’re looking forward to the next 50 years of transforma tion and growth.” Tina Seifert, Board Chair 352-374-5600 | mbhci.org | 800-330-5615

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Letter from the CEO I

t is with gratitude and excitement we celebrate Meridian’s 50th anniversary this year. It is diff icult to express what f ifty years of services mean in words, but we see the impacts of those services on the faces of our f riends and neighbors every day. During these past f ifty 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 signif icant 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 f rom 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.

A 4

Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc.

s we look forward to the next f ifty 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 f rom our entire community, regarding the impact mental illness and substance use disorder has on individuals and families. Most importantly, we hope to see a

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.

I

t 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 f rom 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.

T

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

Donald P. Savoie President & CEO If reading digital version, click above for a video history of Meridian

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

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A 50-Year Journey in Pictures

M

eridian’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

6

1972-78

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

Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc.

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

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

2019

First Co-responder team, Four Mobile Response where a licensed counselor Teams (MRTs) are rides-along with a police launched for 24/7, officer, is piloted 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 innova tive prac tices and partnerships.”

7 Dr. Maggie Labarta 352-374-5600 | mbhci.org | 800-330-5615

Workplace of Choice

Healthcare Options

Competitive Salaries

Generous Time-Off

Why People Stay e Th rie

s

nce

rk Pe

pe

e Th

Ex

ion

ple

ss Mi

o Pe Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc.

Why People Join

e Th

e Th

8

Advancement Opportunities

Wellness Incentives

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

Betty (Longest-

Our Staff 23

Nursing

Positions by Profession

3

Clinical / Program 180

161

22

for work knowing that I am making a difference - tenured staff member with 43 years of service)

22

Clinical / Licensed 197

151

a chu Ala

mb Co lu

Gi l

chr

r Ba ke

Bra d 20

21

ist

ia 13

Lev y

Su wa n

ne

e 2

Dix ie

i l to

n 1

Ha m

n

e Un io

aye tt

m

Laf

tna Pu

1

Admin

Total positions = 713

Positions by Location

1

152

for d

Physicians & APRNS

422

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

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

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Service Area

O

ur 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.

Key Active facilities

County Name Square Miles Unique Clients

Hamilton 514 sq ml 560

Homeless N/A 118

Columbia 797 sq ml 2,893

Telehealth N/A 13,232

Baker 585 sq ml 1,064

Suwannee 688 sq ml 1,919

Union 243 sq ml 578

Lafayette 543 sq ml 199

Bradford 294 sq ml 1,439

Dixie 705 sq ml 717

Alachua 875 sq ml 6,949

No facilities

10 Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc.

Other N/A 822

Gilchrist 350 sq ml 638

Levy 1,118 sq ml 1,159

Neighboring N/A 1,684

Service Reach

M 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

eridian’s community impact goes well beyond its core service area though. This past f iscal 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.

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

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Client Demographics Income 86.66% of clients live at or below poverty line

“Throughout my 40 plus years with Meridian, I’m counties to ensuring we have sustainable programs Age 0 - 5 257 clients 1.21%

Age 5.96% live up to 50% above the poverty line

Age 18 - 39 8,563 clients 40.39%

Age 65+ 1,006 clients 4.75%

5.61% live up to 300% above the poverty line 1.77% live 300% or move above the poverty line

12 Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc.

Age 6 - 11 1,604 clients 7.57% Age 12 - 17 3,018 clients 14.24% Age 40 - 64 6,752 clients 31.85%

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 Race

Native American 60 clients >1%

Hispanic 605 clients 3%

Pacific Islander 12 clients >1%

Black/African American 3,341 clients 16%

Asian 63 clients >1%

Gender 47% of adult clients identified as male

Children

Adults

Unspecified 6,323 clients 30% White 10,795 clients 51%

50% of youth clients identified as male

Identifies as male

52% of adult clients identified as female

Less than 1% of adult clients’ gender was unknown

Identifies as female Identity unknown Separator

1 star = 1% There are 100 stars on either side of the separators

48% of youth clients identified as female Less than 1% of youth clients’ gender was unknown

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Diagnoses Treated

Each star represents 5% Stars are filled accordingly; this star equals 2.5%

Adults

Children

29.50%

. . . . . . . . . Depressive Disorders . . . . . . . . .

35.63%

37.84%

. . . . . . . . Substance Use Disorders . . . . . . .

1.33%

2.50%

Behavior, Attention, Conduct Disorders

30.73%

12.00%

. . . . . . Traumatic Stress Disorders . . . . . .

17.94%

3.84%

. . . . . . . . . Adjustment Disorder . . . . . . . . .

19.38%

11.10%

. . . . . . . . . . . Anxiety Disorder . . . . . . . . . . .

11.31%

14.73%

. . Schizophrenia & Psychotic Disorders . .

0.58%

13.45%

. . . . . . . . . . Bi-polar Disorders . . . . . . . . . .

0.76%

4.58%

. . . . . . . . . . . Other Disorders . . . . . . . . . . .

4.20%

0.49%

. . . . . . Autism Spectrum Disorders . . . . . .

1.03%

1.48%

. . . . . . . General Health Conditions . . . . . .

0.00%

0.27%

. . . . . . . . . Personality Disorders . . . . . . . . .

0.04%

0.20%

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dementia . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0.00%

14 Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc.

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

Family Forensic Services 27,509 Children’s 8,150 Community Intensive Action Team 25,367 Outatient 4,714 Primary Counseling / Therapy Care 103,468 1,598

Services Provided Supported Housing = 12,599 Transitions 5,463

The Lodge 5,132

Adult Crisis Stabilization 69,241 Children’s Crisis Stabilization 46,036 Emergency Screening 19,241 Addictions Receiving / Detox 17,803

Acute Care Services = 152,321

Psychosocial Rehab 13,398

Joyce House 2,004

Outpatient Services = 472,902 Psychiatric Services 49,743

Medication Care Assisted Coordination Treatment 14,382 224,573

Bridge House 6,908

Total Services 653,520

Mother’s Intensive Support Treatment 5,290 Recovery Center 3,500

Residential Treatment = 15,698

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

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Client Satisfaction and Outcomes Satisfaction

Outcome

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

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

95%

91%

Averaged across all programs for adults and chilren.

16 Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc.

Averaged across all programs for adults and chilren.

One More Way We’re Helping Clients The Brain Factor Podcast!

L

aunched 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 addic tion. Today, I am six months sober and without everyone’s help a t 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 18 Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc.

Services that Helped Mary • Individual Counseling • Group Therapy • Peer Support • Care Coordination • Residential Treatment

Services that Helped Pete

• Individual Counseling • Group Therapy • Medicated Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Client Stories “Meridian absolutely saved my life. I was in a very low place when I began receiving trea tmen t. 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 352-374-5600 | mbhci.org | 800-330-5615

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Community Investment

M

CARE SERV ACUTE T, AN ICES D MO I T A EN , INP 15,342,651 BILE RE Y C $ SP EN ON RG E SE M ) (E

M S SI $

AS

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 E options.

RE TE DIC

6 , D T AT I 58 R E O N 6 , 9 AT 61 MEN T

20 Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc.

ICE OUTPATIENT SERV 5 $5,517,27

S

FAMILY SERVICES $416,387

REHABILITATION SERVICES $745,784 CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND DIVERSION $1,576,534

S R ID 3, EATMENTI 90 E AL 6,4 N T 90

CO

MMU E N IT Y BA S E D C A R $14,073,736

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.

OUTREACH & PREVENTION $337,701

T

$

HOUSING AND SUPPORT $2,204,690

PSYCHIATRY AND PRIMARY CARE $3,613,810

Organizational Health Financial Summary

$54.05M

$1.36M

$36.5M

$7.70M

LIABILITIES

$12.00M

$2.60M

NET ASSETS

$20.02M

$6.35M

EXPENDITURES

$49.87M

q$1.84M

REVENUE ASSETS

 = Increase over last year q = Decrease over last year

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

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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 Alphabetized by first name

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

* Is or includes a Gift-in-kind

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

(n) Total Anonymous Donors

... Continuance of Name

...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

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

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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

22 Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc. 24

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

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

Board of Associates

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

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

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

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Thank you to Our Corporate Sponsors Platinum Level Gold Level Silver Level Bronze Level Supporters Patrons 26 Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc.

And Community Partners Gainesville Police Department

Alachua County Sheriff’s Office

Co-responder Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program

Alachua County

Respite and Rapid Response 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

Justice System Partners

Alachua County

Suwannee County School Board Lafayette County School Board Hamilton County School Board

CAT, MRT, and Outpatient Services Criminal Justice Research Mental Health Court

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

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Employee Awards

I

t 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 exemplif ied our core values for the betterment of not only our clients, but their colleagues as well.

Employee of the Year Sammi Schiappucci Quality Improvement Analyst Allyson Stewart Forensic Intervention Specialist

28 Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc.

Innovation Award

Supervisor of the Year

Jennifer Moore Grant Writer

Michelle Lisk VP of Performance and Risk Management

Leadership Award Dr. Mathew Nguyen Medical Director of Acute Care Ashley Tozier Senior VP of Medical Services

Hope, Recovery, and Wellness Awards Judge Denise Ferrero The Eighth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida

Stuart Wegener Retired Criminal Justice Liaison, Alachua County Court Services

I

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

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

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Matthew Butler Clinician of the Year

E

very 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 Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc.

New Locations Putnam and Ocala

V

ital, 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.

Palatka Office

Services Provided to Adults & Children • Outpatient Counseling • Group Therapy • Psychiatric Medication Management

Now open!

• Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) availble January 2023

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

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A Look Ahead Central Receiving

A

Central 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.

32 Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc.

• Championed by City of Gainesville and County of Alachua.

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

• 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

T

his 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

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Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc. is an aff iliate of:

MAIN BUILDING 4300 SW 13th STREET GAINESVILLE, FL 32608

and is funded in great part by the following partners:

LOCAL: 352-374-5600 TOLL FREE: 800-330-5615

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