“Together, NE Delta HSA and University Health Conway hope to advocate on behalf of our citizens to provide additional behavioral health and primary care services within our region," said Monteic A. Sizer, NE Delta HSA Executive Director.
Monroe, LA (PRWEB) July 09, 2014
Northeast Delta Human Services Authority (Northeast Delta HSA) and University Health Conway announced today the creation of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to collaboratively serve citizens in Ouachita Parish and the 12 parishes of Northeastern Louisiana. The MOA provides coordinated care for people seeking behavioral health care and/or primary health care.
University Health Conway will refer primary care consumers to Northeast Delta HSA who may need major mental health and/or substance abuse services. Northeast Delta HSA will refer consumers to University Health Conway who may need primary health care or behavioral health inpatient services. Although these two organizations have referred consumers between them previously, this agreement marks a more intentional, comprehensive, and coordinated initiative. “Our clinicians will now more accurately connect and track our citizens’ care, which will result in better care and a more smooth transition to recovery,” said Dr. Monteic A. Sizer, Northeast Delta HSA Executive Director.
In addition to providing integrated care beginning with a citizen’s initial visit, this agreement ensures that people who have received inpatient care at University Health Conway are directly referred to a Northeast Delta HSA clinic for outpatient care upon their release. “Continuity of care within one’s own community increases stability and prevents citizens from falling through the cracks once they are released from inpatient treatment,” said Dr. Sizer. “This agreement demonstrates our commitment to provide in-depth behavioral health care services, not only to the citizens of Ouachita Parish, but throughout the rural communities of the Northeastern Louisiana region,” he said.
“This MOA sets the stage for growing inpatient capacity, which we know is a great need in Louisiana,” said Dr. Sizer. “Together, NE Delta HSA and University Health Conway hope to leverage our mutual expertise and advocate on behalf of our citizens to provide additional behavioral health and primary care services within our region. We also hope to grow the number of behavioral health care professionals available to serve people here,” he said. “One of our mutual goals is to better address the needs of people with mental health and substance abuse issues, whether they first seek care in a behavioral health or a primary health care provider setting.”
“We at University Health Conway find it refreshing to see the vast rural areas of Northeast Louisiana that we serve from a primary health perspective, begin to get the attention they deserve in the behavioral health arena,” said Stephanie Rivers, Director of Business Development and Public Relations at University Health. “As the safety net hospital for the 12 parishes surrounding Ouachita Parish, we have great passion for the health outcomes of all of our citizens, and are delighted to partner with Northeast Delta Human Services Authority.”
Larry Donner, Administrator at University Health Conway, stated, “We are committed to working with our local and regional partners to build a system of care to meet all of the health care needs of this region, be that primary health care or behavioral health care. Dr. Sizer and his team are focused on those same goals, so the partnership is a natural fit for us.”
About Northeast Delta Human Services Authority (Northeast Delta HSA):
Northeast Delta HSA directs the operation of community-based programs to improve the quality of life of people with major mental illness, developmental disabilities, and addictive disorders. Northeast Delta HSA is devoted to deliver programs and services that encourage people to reach their true human potential. Three tenets guide our efforts: excellent customer service, greater access to services and competent, quality care. Northeast Delta HSA serves citizens in 12 parishes of Northeastern Louisiana: Caldwell, East Carroll, West Carroll, Ouachita, Lincoln, Madison, Franklin, Morehouse, Jackson, Tensas, Richland, and Union. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.nedeltahsa.org or call 318-362-3270.
About University Health Conway:
University Health Conway is North Louisiana’s safety net hospital, providing tertiary and specialty care to all of the citizens of this region. Organized with outpatient clinics in medicine, ophthalmology, pediatrics, behavioral health, women’s health, oncology, orthopedics, surgery, and cardiology, University Health is the proud clinical partner of the LSU Shreveport School of Medicine, which trains Family Practice physicians housed in Monroe, as well as providing clinical rotations for residents from LSU Shreveport.
Media Contact:
Jill Hirsekorn
Northeast Delta HSA Public Information Director
2513 Ferrand Street, Monroe, LA 71201
Phone 318-362-5482
http://www.nedeltahsa.org
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