State Leaders Visit Heritage Behavioral Health Center in Decatur

DECATUR, Ill. – Continuing the work to improve mental health and addiction recovery support in every corner of Illinois, House Mental Health & Addiction Committee Chair state Rep. Lindsey LaPointe (D-Chicago) is highlighting a recent visit to Heritage Behavioral Health Center in Decatur on Thursday.

A central Illinois leader in both size and quality, Heritage offers comprehensive community-based services in mental health, substance use, and primary care to anyone, anytime, anywhere. The non-profit relies on Medicaid, state dollars and other funding sources to run a full array of life-saving care options. The visit and discussion covered the central role Medicaid plays in access to care and the dire need to maintain services in the face of recent federal actions, such as Medicaid cuts.

“For seven decades Heritage Behavioral Health has been a haven for struggling children and adults. More recently, the organization has taken up or expanded new models like the 24/7 Living Room and the Certified Behavioral Health Clinic model (CCBHC) through both state and federal funding. Both allow for stigma-busting, integrated, and high quality services for anyone who walks in the door,” said LaPointe. “By prioritizing stabilization, recovery, one-on-one care, and integration with physical healthcare, Heritage proves that those experiencing mental illness or substance use should not and cannot be blindly thrown behind bars or denied access to lifesaving services. When it comes to mental health and addiction, people need care on par with physical healthcare, and Heritage has stepped up to deliver.”

Both in and outside of the CCBHC, Heritage provides critical access to care through its mobile crisis teams, crisis call center, Behavioral Health Urgent Care Hub, and substance use treatment  to ensure guests’ needs are met the moment they need help.

The center was recently awarded a $43.8 million Capital Development Board grant for a new “one-stop shop campus” to expand services as a CCBHC in its Decatur location. Heritage Behavioral Health Center’s Clinton (Dewitt County) campus has recently taken steps to become a CCBHC as well, ensuring the continuation of behavioral and addiction services for Illinois patients as the federal government increases its threats to cut Medicaid and strip millions from essential care.

“I want to thank Representative LaPointe and Deputy Director Darius McKinney from the Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery within the Illinois Department of Human Services for visiting Heritage this week and the great conversations,” said Mary Garrison, president and chief executive officer at Heritage Behavioral Health Center.  “It is an honor to have their support as we continue to provide essential services to our community and ensure access to care for all.”