BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
Telegraph Editor
STARKE — Despite increases in the services offered, county commissioners found no room in their next budget for increases to agencies like Meridian Behavioral Healthcare.
Don Savoie, president and CEO of Meridian, offered the annual recap of what the health care provider does for Bradford County, saying they are proud of their 51 years of service to the community.
Focusing on some details unique to Bradford, Savoie said Meridian provided more than 4,000 telehealth services to 846 county residents. An exciting part of the telehealth services is that Meridian can provide tablets to individuals with transportation and other challenges. Through a federal grant, they can provide tablets that can connect to the internet via cellular service for those without a home-based internet connection.
“Far too often I run into folks that come in for a visit in the office, and although it’s right here in town, they had to have a family member or neighbor, bring them in. So, telehealth really has made a difference,” he said.
The number of children and teens in need of mental health services continues to grow. Savoie said 14% of its services are for children 6 to 11 years old, and another 20% are for teens 12 to 17 years old.
“We see that as having a lot to do with post pandemic … anxiety and depression that otherwise wasn’t addressed,” he said, adding Meridian has a great working relationship with the Bradford School District. “Especially with kids, you want to catch them before they fall too far, and if we can engage and deescalate and work with the families, it really does make a difference.”
As for the outcome of its services, Savoie said 75% of adults and 74% of children report improved symptoms. This is much higher than the 40% to 60% reported for other chronic illnesses.
“We track the data to make sure that we’re providing effective but efficient care, and we’re also modernizing the way we function, especially with family and children’s services,” he said.
Through its mobile response teams and their partnership with local first responders, Meridian can respond to someone in crisis within 60 minutes. Responding locally rather than spares patients the trauma of being taken to crisis stabilization under the Baker or Marchman acts.
“If we can manage folks in the community, we (make) every effort we can to do that,” Savoie said.
The number of adults requiring acute care under the Baker Act was down slightly, but the number of kids was up to 47 through April of this year. The numbers for outpatient counseling for adults was down to 650, but for kids it was up to 425. Additionally, 138 children and 376 adults receive psychiatric care.
Something not offered in Bradford but available in Alachua, Columbia and Putnam counties, is substance abuse services. Savoie said. Bradford has seen an increase in addiction, with more than 120 residents served. A growing number of these patients are 35 to 55 years old.
Also on the rise, including among teenagers, both state and nationwide, are suicide rates. Savoie said Meridian is responding by launching a Text for Help initiative in the coming months. Adolescents in particular can benefit being able text 24/7 and receive a guaranteed response from a licensed counselor. Staff will also follow up on these contacts.
Meridian no longer requires appointments for patients. Savoie said Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., someone can walk into an outpatient office, and they will be seen. The problem with waiting for appointments is that as many 50% don’t show up for their first appointment.
“They’re all just innovations to really try and get to folks before they fall too far, save a life. If texts can help save one life, it was worth it,” he said.
Alachua County, Gainesville and their law enforcement agencies are partnering with Meridian to fund a 6,000-square-foot central receiving facility for Baker Act patients, a reduction from its four separate facilities. Savoie said there will be a shorter turnaround time for first responders to drop off patients and return to work where they are needed.
Meridian will receive $2.1 million from the state to operate central receiving but will also be looking to the counties it serves for assistance.
Most patients from Bradford County — 86% — are below the federal poverty line. Almost all qualify for some level of subsidized care. Only 9% are covered by health insurance.
Savoie said 25% of the funding Meridian needs is provided from local sources, including county governments. Bradford has been reducing its contribution, with the most recent being $83,000. He asked for a 10.85% increase to $92,000 to begin building back what has been lost.
The county commission was not able to commit to an increase for Meridian next year or the few outside organizations that had requested more money. Next year, each organization will receive the same amount budgeted for this year.
