Healthcare Network receives $27,500 grant from United Way of Collier County

FORT MYERS, Fla. - May 14, 2020 - PRLog -- Healthcare Network received a $27,500 grant from United Way of Collier County to support its integrated behavioral health program. The grant will fund care for 900 patients.

Healthcare Network's behavioral health providers cared for more than 6,200 patients in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2019. Integrated behavioral health addresses traditional mental health concerns and life stressors but also health behavior changes to manage chronic medical conditions such as diabetes and asthma. The model is effective because many patients come to primary care seeking relief for physical symptoms that are related to mental, behavioral and psychosocial problems. Alternatively, illness can lead to depression, stress or other behavioral health issues. Healthcare Network provides cutting edge, best of class integrated primary care addressing the whole person – both body and mind. This integrated care model blends primary care and mental health into one setting, allowing patients to experience a true team-based approach to healthcare.

The grant helps fund access to an initial assessment, recommendations and same-day interventions. If needed, a patient will receive same-day or ongoing services at the same Healthcare Network location, increasing access for underserved families.

"We provide a medical and dental home where everyone in the community can receive patient-centered, team-based and continuous comprehensive healthcare services, regardless of their income or insurance status," said Dr. Emily Ptaszek, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Healthcare Network "Private support, federal funding and grants fill the gap between patient reimbursement and allow us to expand our coverage to more patients."

About Healthcare Network

Healthcare Network is committed to ensuring quality healthcare is accessible to everyone in our community, regardless of income or insurance status. Founded in 1977 to serve migrant farmworkers and their families in Immokalee, Healthcare Network now provides care to more than 50,000 patients through practices throughout Collier County including the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile® and the Health and Smiles Mobile. Healthcare Network provides primary healthcare services including family care, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, senior care, and pharmacy as well as dental care and integrated behavioral health for both adults and children. The organization's newest location, the Nichols Community Health Center, is a 51,000-square-foot primary care medical center opening in Golden Gate in April 2020. For more information, visit www.HealthcareSWFL.org, or to schedule an appointment, please call 239-658-3000.