Patients of the UPMC St. Margaret New Kensington, Bloomfield-Garfield, and Lawrenceville Family Health Centers have access to additional health care services thanks to a $265,000 grant awarded to the St. Margaret Foundation.
The grant money assisted the health centers in adding a part-time psychiatrist and a full-time behavioral specialist to their staff. Between 20 and 25 percent of the patients seen at the health centers have a diagnosis that requires a referral to a behavioral health provider. With the addition of these new staff members, behavioral health issues can be conveniently treated in conjunction with patients’ physical health care needs.
Jonathan Han, MD, medical director, New Kensington Family Health Center, says, “Although many of our patients suffer from depression and other behavioral issues, they are unlikely to get help when given a referral to go elsewhere. By being able to address such problems during their visits with us, we’re far more successful in taking care of our patients.” Dr. Han continues in saying, “We’re very grateful of this generous grant. Without the help, this wouldn’t be possible.”
The Foundation received $100,000 from the Richard King Mellon Foundation; $65,000 from The Pittsburgh Foundation; and $50,000 each from The Fine Foundation and Staunton Farm Foundation.
The UPMC St. Margaret New Kensington, Bloomfield-Garfield, and Lawrenceville Family Health Centers have been recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) as a Physician Practice Connections® – Patient-Centered Medical Home™ (PPC®-PCMH™). The health centers received Level 3 recognition — the highest level designated by the NCQA for using systematic, patient-centered, and coordinated care management processes. With achieving this status, and integrating behavioral and physical health services, the centers strengthen their delivery of high-quality holistic care.
UPMC St. Margaret is a 249-bed acute care and accredited teaching hospital located near Aspinwall that has been granted Magnet® status, the highest international recognition for nursing excellence and leadership. With renewed dedication to more than 250,000 residents of northeastern Allegheny County and the Alle-Kiski Valley, UPMC St. Margaret provides residents convenient access to the area’s finest physicians and health care services.
