Innovative Program Expands Mental Health & Addiction Services in Camden County
Mount Holly, NJ, September 16, 2020- Oaks Integrated Care is proud to announce the opening of their Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) in Cherry Hill, NJ this week. The innovative program provides a single point of contact for individuals with behavioral health and substance abuse challenges to obtain treatment as well as address social, environmental and physical health needs. The nonprofit organization received a two-year $4 million grant to develop and implement the CCBHC in Camden County from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) in April as part of $200 million in annual federal funding and an additional $250 million in emergency COVID-19 funding.
With such a tremendous need for services in Camden County, the CCBHC expects to serve 1,200 people in the first year alone. The program takes a holistic approach to care with the goal of improving access to treatment, addressing gaps in services and providing centralized and coordinated care to the most vulnerable members of the community. Services will benefit adults, children, adolescents and Veterans living with a serious mental illness, addiction, emotional disturbance or co-occurring disorder.
Mike D’Amico, Oaks Vice President shares, “Our goal is to break down barriers to care for individuals who often get lost trying to navigate the healthcare system. We want to reduce the wait times for critical services, improve technology to include telehealth and hire more field specialists.” He adds, “Appointments for mental health services can take up to two months, and it’s been even worse during the pandemic.”
The CCBHC will expand mental health and addictions services in all of Camden County including the city of Camden to create a network of care that includes outpatient services, Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), case management and crisis response services. Stemming from experience operating a CCBHC in Mercer County, specialized Care Managers will address issues in care coordination, transitions of care, housing and employment. In addition, Oaks will utilize its community partnerships to provide primary healthcare screening and treatment to individuals with physical healthcare needs.
Derry Holland, Oaks Integrated Care CEO, shares, “Expanding our mission and continuum of care through coordinated care gives individuals and families in Camden County increased access to critical services. By focusing on integrated care, it becomes possible to treat the whole person to achieve both mental and physical wellness.”
For immediate access to CCBHC services in Camden County, call the Oaks Integrated Care Access Center at 1-800-963-3377.
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Oaks Integrated Care is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for children, adults and families living with a mental illness, addiction or developmental disability. The organization offers over 230 programs throughout New Jersey designed to meet the needs of the community with compassion. For more information, please visit www.oaksintcare.org or call the Development Office at 609-267-5928.
