Rahall Announces $1.6 Million Federal Grant to Integrate Primary and Mental Health Services in Southern West Virginia

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.) announced Friday a $1.6 million award for FMRS Health Systems, Inc., in Beckley, to integrate primary and behavioral health care services for residents in southern West Virginia.

“The wellbeing of many of our citizens is threatened by severe chronic conditions, especially for those individuals and families who are struggling to confront physical and mental health issues made more challenging by drug addiction.  These funds will help to reduce the gaps in the health system, so that high quality, coordinated health care is accessible to residents, helping to turn tragic living into triumphal family life for parents and children alike,” said Rahall, who is a member of the Congressional Mental Health Caucus.

The funding announced today was awarded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Center for Mental Health Services to establish the SHARE Project to serve West Virginians with Serious Mental Illness (SMI).  FMRS will partner with Access Health (Community Health Systems, Inc.) to provide integrated primary health care with an array of behavioral health services.  This integrated service array will be coordinated and provided at one central location by FMRS in Beckley. FMRS anticipates the SHARE Project will provide Whole Person health care to approximately 1,900 consumers over a four year period.

“This grant is such an important opportunity to integrate primary health and behavioral health in our area,” said Kathy Armentrout, Associate Director, FMRS Health Systems.  “FMRS and Access Health will work closely together to assist our community members in decreasing their health risks, particularly to diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity by being able to monitor and encourage healthy lifestyle choices.”

FMRS is a community based behavioral health provider with locations in Raleigh, Fayette, Summers, and Monroe Counties focusing on prevention and treatment of emotional and behavioral health problems.

—30—