Grove City Health Care Foundation Supports AHN Behavioral Health Services Integration into Primary Care

PITTSBURGH, PA — Allegheny Health Network has received $87,000 from Grove City Health Care Foundation to help implement the integration of behavioral health care staff into the Grove City Primary Care setting to improve patient treatment and wellbeing in the community.

AHN’s Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) model closes a critical gap for COVID-19 recovery with the addition of a Behavioral Healthcare Consultant who can work with the Primary Care Physician (PCP) to support patients with specific concerns and needs regarding the virus.

According to a study by the United Hospital Fund and Montefiore Health System of New York, while the impact of depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders on overall health is widely acknowledged, only a minority of patients with those behavioral conditions in the typical primary care practice are identified and treated, despite an increasing emphasis on whole-patient care.

“AHN is advancing traditional primary care by encompassing all aspects of wellbeing, including mental health, which is a primary influencer of overall health,” says Allie Quick, Chief Philanthropy Officer at AHN.  “This generous funding from Grove City Health Care Foundation makes it possible for us to provide timely and effective behavioral health support to Grove City Primary Care patients.”

Behavioral health conditions can negatively affect2 the ability to maintain good physical health, manage chronic illness and attain optimal quality of life and functioning.  As a result of the interactions between behavioral symptoms and chronic medical illnesses, many PCPs are expanding on their traditional responsibilities to ensure that their patients also receive adequate treatment for mental illness and substance use disorders. These PCPs are systematically screening for depression, anxiety, ADHD, and alcohol and substance misuse, as well as diagnosing and managing treatment for these conditions.

“Behavioral health and mental wellbeing have been a major concern during the COVID19 pandemic,” says Timothy Bonner, Board Chair for Grove City Health Care Foundation.  “We are pleased to support AHN in this initiative to incorporate mental wellbeing into primary healthcare and improve overall health for Grove City patients.”

“Grove City Hospital is excited to partner with Grove City Health Care Foundation in bringing this progressive approach to healthcare to our patients,” says David Tupponce, MD, President and CEO of Grove City Hospital.  “It is part of our vision to deliver a remarkable and seamless process that encompasses all aspects of healthcare and wellbeing for our patients.”

To learn more about Grove City Primary Care at AHN, visit here.

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