Mercy Community Healthcare, uniqueness of integrated care

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Cindy Siler, CEO of Mercy Community Healthcare, along with Dr. Jesse Malott, Chief Behavioral Health Officer, who both highlight the Federally Qualified Health Center, which has evolved from a children's clinic to provide comprehensive healthcare services to adults and children, including primary care, mental health services, and financial assistance to approximately 14,500 patients annually across Middle Tennessee. The organization has significantly expanded its mental health services, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic, and implements a "no wrong door" model that allows patients to access care through various channels. Mercy Community Healthcare operates on a sliding fee scale and relies on community support through fundraising events and partnerships to serve all patients regardless of insurance status, with a mission focused on providing compassionate healthcare services.

Mercy Healthcare's Comprehensive Services Expansion

Mercy Community Healthcare, founded 26 years ago as Mercy Children's Clinic, has expanded to provide comprehensive health services including primary care for adults and children, mental health services, and financial assistance through its patient and family support program. The organization serves approximately 14,500 patients annually with a significant increase in mental health services since the COVID-19 pandemic. Cindy and Dr. Malott explain that Mercy's evolution from a children's clinic to a full-service healthcare provider was driven by recognizing the need to care for families and adults in the community, leading to their designation as a Federally Qualified Health Center in 2013.

Regional Mental Health Care Improvements

Dr. Malott discusses the improvements in suicide rates and mental health services in the region, highlighting the success of a "no wrong door" model that allows patients to access mental health care through various channels, including primary care. He explains that trained mental health clinicians have been integrated into primary care settings to address mental health issues more effectively. He also mentions that relational problems and sleep issues, particularly among adolescents, are significant challenges, which he attributes to increased use of smartphones and social media.

Family Therapy and Telehealth Services

Dr. Malott discusses the organization's focus on family therapy and couples counseling, highlighting the importance of involving families in mental health care, even in cases of severe mental illness. He explains their extensive service area across Middle Tennessee, including school-based therapy services in 17 schools across two counties, and the use of telehealth to overcome transportation barriers. He also describes their team structure, including 16 counselors, 8 psychiatric nurse practitioners, and a supervising psychiatrist, emphasizing the diversity of skills and expertise within the organization.

Community Health Center Access Expansion

Cindy and Dr. Malott explain that their health center serves all patients regardless of insurance status, focusing on underinsured and uninsured individuals in their community. They operate on a sliding fee scale and generate revenue from insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare, with less than 10% of their budget coming from federal grants. They emphasize their ongoing efforts to expand services, such as adding pediatricians on Saturdays, to meet the needs of the 38,000 people in their area without access to care.

Mercy Healthcare Fundraising Initiatives

Cindy and Dr. Malott discuss Mercy Community Healthcare's mission to provide healthcare services to all patients, emphasizing their commitment to reflecting Jesus's love and compassion. Cindy highlights their three major annual fundraisers, including a golf tournament, a 10K/5K/1K run, and a fall dinner, as well as their need for community support and sponsors. Cindy also mentions their involvement in various community partnerships and their desire to bring people in for tours of their new building.

Visit https://mercytn.org to learn more about Mercy Community Healthcare.