Pages 4-5 - Meridian’s Leadership - Executive Team and Board of Directors
Pages 6-7 - Letter from the CEO - “Meridian is People.“
Page 8-11 - Organizational Summary, including Financials
Pages 12-17 - Summary of Services - In Our Region and Beyond
Pages 18-21 - Client Outcomes and Stories
Pages 22-27 - Thank Yous to Sponsors, Partners, and Donors
Pages 28-29 - Meridian’s Award Winners
Pages 30-33 - Program Highlights and a Look Towards the Future
Our Purpose
We restore and build community with life-changing care. Every day, we support our patients and their families on their journey to hope, recovery, and wellness. We provide them with resources to rise from challenges and soar to new heights. The word meridian means “a high point.” That’s what we strive for: to build up community by helping people reach their highest potential.
Since our founding over 50 years ago, we’ve broadened our behavioral health services and expanded our reach to 14 counties throughout North Central Florida. But we are still guided by a shared purpose: people first, always. This means we treat mental illness and substance use with humanity and compassion for every individual. We nurture our staff and support their abilities because they are what makes Meridian such a special place.
Our Values
Hope — A healthy dose of hope helps us stay positive on the most challenging days.
Empathy — We are committed to compassion, understanding, and genuine human connection.
Accountability — We all have a responsibility to work with integrity as we strive to deliver highquality care.
Resilience — Our community depends on us to show up and continually give our best.
Teamwork — Collaboration is key to providing exceptional care.
Executive Team
Donald P. Savoie President / Chief Executive Officer
Lauren Cohn
Executive VP / Chief Operating Officer
Annmarie Attaway
Senior VP / Chief Financial Officer
Ashley Tozier
Senior VP / Medical Services
Alan Paulin
Senior VP / Clinical & Community Services
Richard Anderson
Senior VP / Chief Clinical Officer
Jeff Feller Chair Alachua
Jason Cason Levy
Bob Milner Vice-Chair
Bradford
Becky Sharpe Lafayette
Stephanie McClendon
Secretary Suwannee
Amanda Manske Union
Board of Directors
Tina Seifert Executive Committee
Columbia
Irma Phillips-Maxwell Alachua
Patricia Knight Executive Committee Gilchrist
“The need for accessible, high-quality behavioral health services has never been greater. Meridian, along with supporters and community partners, works to open the door to greater possibilities for those we serve, offering hope, healing, and a brighter future for individuals and families across our communities.”
- Jeff Feller, Board Chair
Stuart Wegener Alachua
Kindall Crummey Baker
Paul Metts Executive Committee Alachua
Denise Bennett At-large
Letter from the CEO
As we reflect on this past year, it is clear that 2024 was another remarkable year for Meridian, marked by continued growth and innovation in support of our communities. This annual report showcases not only a new look and feel but also a significant shift from behavioral health to comprehensive healthcare. We often say there is no health without mental health, and this has never been truer and is evident in our new branding as we expand our role as a health home, providing both behavioral and primary healthcare.
The trust placed in Meridian by our patients, their families, and loved ones is something we take very seriously. We are grateful to our staff and partners for the critical role they play in the health and well-being of our communities. The Meridian staff and Board of Directors have never been more focused or committed to improving the lives of those in our care and extending our mission to everyone in need. For many of us, this work is more than a job—it is a calling, and the work done is lifesaving for so many individuals.
One aspect that is less often discussed is the education and awareness that Meridian continually provides about mental health and addiction treatment. As we approach 2025, it is very concerning that there is still so much lack of understanding and empathy for those in need. Many of us have dedicated our entire careers to educating, teaching, and seeking compassion for those
facing mental health and addiction struggles. Sadly, it is often only after a crisis that individuals, their families, friends, and communities begin to understand the impact of behavioral health challenges. Meridian will continue to educate, engage, and support our communities with the hope that someday behavioral health will be universally understood and met with compassion and support.
Lastly, I want to personally thank the entire Meridian team—both past and present—as well as our partners, friends, and those we’ve served.
As I enter retirement at the end of 2024, I look back on a journey I never anticipated but that I am so very grateful for. It has been an honor to work alongside such wonderful and caring professionals and a true privilege to serve the Meridian team and our communities. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it one last time: “Meridian is people.” People working together, committed to a common goal of improving the lives of those around us. This is a simple yet powerful concept and worthy of our respect and support. I look forward to seeing the great things Meridian will achieve in the future as the organization continues its very important mission.
With much respect and thanks,
Donald P. Savoie President & CEO
“‘Meridian is people.’ People working together, committed to a common goal of improving the lives of those around us.”
Organizational Health
Between each and every one of the moments of lifechanging care provided to the community by Meridian’s staff, there are decisions being made by Meridian’s Board and Executive Team regarding the financial sustainability of the organization, which in turn ensures even more transformative moments in people’s lives. This is reflected in the graph to the right.
$16,647,147
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.
Community Investment
&
Justice & Diversion
$2,318,571
Meridian has long been a safety-net provider for the North Central Florida region and beyond, investing heavily in the well-being of communities of all shapes and sizes by helping those on the fringes, effectively “raising up everyone by lifting from the bottom.”
$4,090,377
To the left you will find the leading programs through which Meridian supports all of us by supporting the least of us.
Service Area
Fiscal year 2024 was another banner year for Meridian when it came to focusing on those at the heart of our service area, which is growing every year. In all, we served 18,179 clients within our 13-county region. As you can see from this service area map, in-person visits vary from county to county, while Telehealth remains a favored option for receiving services from Meridian.
2,250-4,999 Clients Served 5,000+ Clients Served 11,000+ Clients Served
1,001-2,249 Clients Served 501-1,000 Clients Served 101-500 Clients Served 25-100 Clients Served 12-24 Clients Served
Clients Served
Clients Served
Service Reach
As seen in the “heat map” at left, Meridian’s reputation continues to grow far beyond its service area, extending north into Georgia and as far south as the Keys. As the map shows, Meridian served residents in 65 of Florida’s 67 counties. With our rebrand, we anticipate an uptick in engagement. As such, we will continue expanding our access to and capacity for healthcare services in order to ensure anyone looking for help, in a crisis or otherwise, can readily get the support they need.
Services Provided
Note
Diagnoses Treated
Client Demographics - Age & Income
84% of clients at or below poverty line
8%
Client Demographics - Gender & Race
Adults
Children
Client Outcomes
63.54%
78.18%
of adults with Depression and Anxiety reported an improvement in their symptoms and their functioning at discharge.
“Meridian has been helping me for years.”
“These
of children with Depression and Anxiety reported an improvement in their symptoms and their functioning at discharge.
programs have genuinely helped me, thank you all so much.”
“I’m alive because of the help I got through Meridian.”
Your Voice Matters!
Meridian has begun distributing kiosks in our sites to collect real-time feedback from individuals and families served. Continuous Quality Improvement is a priority at Meridian and listening to and acting on the needs and preferences of those we serve is a critical component of that. These kiosks will allow us to provide a confidential, accessible, easy tool to submit feedback that will give us real time data to ensure we are delivering quality services and improving the lives of those we serve.
Client Stories
“Since receiving services from Meridian, I feel more confident; I better understand my feelings, and can cope with stress. The team has been very empathetic, active listeners, and they are nonjudgmental. I feel comfortable and safe. Meridian has helped me see positive steps I can take to becoming a better me.”
Sincerely,
Services that Helped Deirdre
Deirdre A.
Services that Helped Ashley
Individual
Peer
Group Counseling
“Before coming to the Mothers Intensive Support Treatment (MIST) Program, I used to doubt myself. However, I learned so much about myself through individual therapy, group therapy and peer support, which boosted my self-confidence. I learned to understand what I wanted in life and how to set boundaries. Most importantly, I am a much better mom for my three-year-old son. MIST helped me see the clean and sober person I wanted to become. It’s good to know Meridian is always on my side. “ Sincerely, Ashley S.
Thank You to Our Donors
$10,000 & Above
Denise & Kenneth
...Bennett
$5,000 to $9,999
Queen of Peace
...Catholic Church
Tonia L. Werner
$2,000 to $4,999
Dr. Maggie M. Labarta
...& Jon Cherry
First Federal Bank
Cheney Brothers
$1,000 to $1,999
Don & Karen Savoie
Ben E. Keith Foods
Richard & Sharon Jones
Board of County ...Commissioners, ...Alachua County
$500 to $999
Salter Feiber, P.A.
Simply Healthcare ...Plans, Inc.
Teresa Mullin
Trenton Medical Center, ...INC.
Santa Fe College
Heather Damron
Catherine Ipser
$100 to $499
Camila Dominguez
Emily Domingo
Gainesville Thrives
Stanley A. Rakofsky
David Johnson
Eric Parker
Leslie Roseman
Angela L. Choate
Jannine Barnes
Betty D Jackson
Clifford Will
Maurice D. Levy
Steve Datkuliak
Amelia Alvarez
Irene Kellner
Cornelia O. Stern
Naima Brown
Robert Milner
Jason Kirby
... Continuance of Name
Matthew G. DeWein
Nancy Bitton
Brooke Lupinacci
Bryce & Tracy Burger
Alli Dransick
Ashley Tozier
Barry Jacobson
Connor Flynn
Nick Deloach
Susan Dingus
Gary L. Davis, Jr.
Meldon Law
Josue Ostolaza
Joy M. Riddle
Kenneth Bennett
Mary Benedict
$99 & Below
Gina Deracleo
Maureen M. Burdick
Robert Norberg
Daniel & Brianna
Martin
Celia Burger
Brandon West
Connie Stern
Diana Drew
Kevin Marshall
Kimberly Simmons
Mary Alford
Michelle Lisk
Sarkis Clinical Trials
Terri Crawford
Valerie Pasquale
Alexandra Stanaland
Carol Auerbach
Julianne Raymond If we have made a mistake in compiling this list, please do let joni_perkins@mbhci.org know. The following is a compilation of all donors who made gifts during the 2023-2024 fiscal year.
Chad Paris
Harvey Goldstein
Jeremy Mikell
Lauren Cohn
Margaret D Green
Stuart Wegener
Diane M. Hogan
Sara J. Mihlfeld
Amanda Manske
Michael Giebelhouse
Alex Sarosi
Rick Lind
Mallory Becker
Chris Mccuiston
Stephanie Foley
Steven Foley
Matthew Lisko
Jeff Feller
Alexander Costa
Teresa Costa
Amy Jonasson
Miles for Meridian
Tina Harkness
Kara Wassman
Stephen Karafa
Jennifer Weaver
Theodore Weaver
Margaret Mccloskey
Mary Benedict
Anas Ismail
Rhonda Clyatt
Terri Cochran
Krishna Jha
Joshua Forgione
Melissa Forgione
Ashley Tozier
Lindsey Digiosia
Marco Digiosia
Barrett Standish
Brennan Standish
Carolynne Standish
Kyle Standish
Rob Pettie
Christina Pettie
Kady Morris
Don Savoie
Karen Savoie
Stephanie Esposito
Mikayla Birnstiel
Ian Fletcher
Patrice Fletcher
Alex Flinchum
Landon Harrar
Anne Polo
Tim Propes
Our Continued Thanks
Rex Wier
Tiffany Williams...Propes
Vicki Gervickas
David Macphaul
Ritu Shah
Priscilla Guariglia
Tammie Geer
Michelle Burridge
Chaise Champion
Johnny Fussell
Sabrina Busch
Brian Busch
Karolina Glogiewicz
Jay Price
Hannah Fisher
Abigail Fisher
Alexandra Fochi
Roeland Vandevelde
Isaac Swope
Amanda Larson
Denise Bennett
Katrin Silvis
Lewis Silvis
April Thompson
Barry Mcandrew
Lee Mcandrew
Shaheeda Fawcett
Meredith Smith
Jennifer Nalli
Stuart Arnold
Alennys Taveras Seda
Kerra Knight
Stacha Donaldson
Dylan Guzman Letteen
Lilian Guzman Letteen
Dylan Townsend
Susanne Townsend
Cortney Perez
Jaxxon Duenas
Danielle Hamel
Joy Riddle
Barry Mcandrew
Lee Mcandrew
Christian Silvis
Dakota Tredway
Garand Garand
Wendy Shirah
Shahriar Shahabaldine
Kelly Harvey
Devala Griffith
April Phinazee
Regina Grimes
Mauri Bryant
Tera Kelley
Kaylin Harmon
Matthew Byal
Eva Del Valle
Sara Young
Jon Farland
Michelle Farland
Katelin Sexton
Kurt Linebarger
Joelle Higgins
Penny Church-Pupke
Laurel Payne
Lisa Johnson
Stacie Stephenson
Betty Godshall
Michael Modeski
Lori Muniz
Anas Hammoudeh
Julie Rada
Amy Meacham
Lourdes Ptschelinzew
Audrey Rada
Teresa Jenkinson
Kate Lindt
Cailin Lewis
Niya Dix
Joanne Edde
Andrew Kotranza
Sarah Kotranza
Jessica Thompson
Jennifer Sykes
Otto Strasburg
Eric Godet
Yvette Godet
Kevin Marshall
David Martin
Madelyn Martin
Margaux Martin
Megan Martin
Frances Richburg
Jimmy Ossa
Luke Hart
Julian Bautista
Du Meyer
Juan Motta
Alan Paulin
Olivia Green
Renae Green
Shelley Salter
Brooke Douglas
Gracie Manske
Amanda Thomas
Sally Chappell
Eileen Ahlquist
Devon Myers
Lisa Coleman
Steve Cannon
Jordan Polo
Paula Allen
Board of Associates
Eric C Parker
Steve Datkuliak
Sam Guess
Cathy Ipser
Joel Islam
Chad Paris
Mary Benedict
Denise Bennett
Kevin Marshall
Heather Damron
Joanne Edde
Jim Ipser
Our Corporate Sponsors
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
County School Board
County School Board
Employee Awards
Commissioner Carolyn Spooner
This award recognizes difference-makers bringing heart and purpose to all they do in support of behavioral healthcare in order to strengthen our community.
Bradford County Board of County Commissioners Chair
Central Receiving
The new Central Receiving Facility will revolutionize the way mental health and substance use crises are managed in the community, providing a single point of access for individuals in need of emergency evaluation and stabilization. The $2.5 million expansion includes multiple separate waiting areas for children and adults in crisis. A law enforcement only bay area, as well as private screening rooms and offices were added. Alachua County and the City of Gainesville both invested $500,000 in the project. An additional $496,000 was also provided by the City of Gainesville through a Legislative Budget Request for construction with Meridian Healthcare investing $1 million. For operations, $1.75 million was designated by the Alachua County American Rescue Plan for the first year with $2.1 million annually from a legislative appropriation managed by LSF Health Systems. The facility required adding a new CRS director, nurses, emergency screeners and mental health technicians. Individuals experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis can also walk in voluntarily.
In June 2024, Meridian successfully achieved Center-wide reaccreditation through CARF International for three years, a testament to our unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards of excellence. This reaccreditation followed a comprehensive review by 11 CARF surveyors over 18 sites, where our policies, procedures and practices were rigorously evaluated to ensure alignment with the industry-leading best practice standards. This achievement underscores our commitment to continuous quality improvement and to our core values of hope, empathy, accountability, resilience, and teamwork, enabling us to transform our community through life-changing care.
Reaccreditation not only confirms our standing as a leader in the healthcare field, but also continues to open new opportunities for growth. According to CARF surveyors, Meridian “works to improve the lives of the clients and provide them with hope for the future.” Surveyors also highlighted, Meridian promotes “an atmosphere of trust, security, and safety, [which] enhances the ability of clients to engage in the recovery process… [and] leads to positive outcomes in the health and well-being of the clients.” As we move into the next year, we are more committed than ever to building on this success and further enhancing the impact we have on our communities.
New Grants
Criminal Justice Mental Health and Substance Abuse Reinvestment Grant: An Alachua County and Meridian Healthcare collaborative grant application resulted in a Department of Children and Families state grant award of $1.2M in funding over three years that supports a multidisciplinary team and a law enforcement co-responder clinician for Alachua County, working to increase access to comprehensive care, reduce recidivism, and increase employment/independence for those involved in the legal system. This grant includes collaboration with Alachua County and Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, and the reestablishment of the Criminal Justice Mental Health and Substance Abuse Grant Planning Committee through Alachua County.
Court Diversion Grant: Meridian was awarded $1M in funding over three years under this Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grant to provide pre- and post-booking diversion services in order to connect individuals with needed treatment and support services, assist with remaining in the community, and reduce recidivism. This grant will support 8 new Diversion Care Coordinator positions across our service region, providing screening, assessment, evaluation, re-entry assistance, and linkage to healthcare and community resources, with a focus on client’s strengths to build on past successes promoting self-sufficiency and recovery.
Jail-based Medication Assisted Treatment Grant: Meridian was awarded $3,191,960.00 in funding over three years under this grant from the State of Florida Department of Children and Families Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health, funding appropriated through the Department from the Opioid Settlement Trust Fund (OSTF). The grant funds were awarded to Meridian to operate a Jail Based Medication Assisted-Treatment (MAT) Program within 5 local county jails (Bradford County Jail, Dixie County Jail, Gilchrist County Jail, Suwannee County Jail and Putnam County Jail) in order to help reduce incarceration and recidivism of those who experience addiction and mental health challenges as well as increase successful re-entry to the community.
A Look Ahead
As I step into the role of CEO, I am deeply honored to be a part of an organization that is driven by a shared commitment to supporting individuals on their healthcare journeys and helping them build meaningful, fulfilling lives. The past year has shown me just how powerful our collective impact is when we work together as a community, each of us contributing to the greater good of those we serve. We made significant strides in expanding access to services, integrating innovative care models, and enhancing community partnerships as we focused on meeting the unique needs of each person we serve, prioritizing individualized, whole-person care.
As we look ahead, I am excited to continue the incredible legacy built by my predecessor. With each step forward, we move closer to our vision of stronger communities - communities breaking down barriers, transforming the way people think about behavioral health, and ensuring that everyone has the support they need to thrive. Mental well-being is not just an individual journey but a community responsibility. We will continue to focus on strengthening the fabric of the communities we serve by advocating for resources, building integrated systems of care, and fostering collaboration. I look forward to working alongside our dedicated team, stakeholders, and partners and I thank you for your ongoing support as we come together with heart and purpose to make a lasting impact, one life at a time, one community at a time.
