Bringing physical and mental health together: Meritus, Brook Lane mull formal partnership

Meritus Health and Brook Lane Health Services are looking for ways to expand on their partnership, according to an announcement released this week.

They already partner in projects to provide both physical and mental health services.

They're already working together, for example, to align their electronic health records systems for seamless and connected healthcare services. And they worked together to open the mental health urgent care facility that’s on Meritus’ campus.

Now, Meritus and Brook Lane leaders have been considering how they can use the strengths of their respective organizations to better meet the current and future mental health needs across the region and the state.

Just what form that will take will be more clearly defined as details are worked out and an agreement is formalized and reviewed.

'Meritus Health and Brook Lane have a long tradition of partnering'

"Mental health is an integral part of overall health — a sentiment many share as they work to educate and expand awareness about emotional and behavioral health conditions," the announcement stated.

As local health providers consider better opportunities to support the total health of patients and as the demand for mental health services continues to climb, Brook Lane and Meritus Health say they are looking at ways an expanded partnership might provide more access to services and more coordinated care between primary care, specialist and mental health providers.

“Meritus Health and Brook Lane have a long tradition of partnering in our community to support the health needs of our neighbors," said Meritus Health President and CEO Maulik Joshi. "As we continue to look at the increased demand for high-quality and accessible mental, emotional and behavioral health care in our community and across our state, we see the strong value in two community organizations, who share similar values, working more closely together.”

Referencing their previous projects, Joshi said “we looked at the need in our community and across our state and found a way to share resources in order to quickly support that need. We understand the strength in working together, and are excited to consider the opportunities for our patients if we take our partnership to a higher level.”

"Meritus and Brook Lane share community-centric values and a vision for making our neighbors healthier,"Brook Lane CEO Jeffery D. O’Neal said. "By considering a formal partnership with Meritus, we would be ensuring that access to mental health care continues, and we are combining the talents and dedication of our great teams."

Joshi and O’Neal agreed they would share updates and timeframes with the public as they become available. Atpresent, they expect the partnership could take form over the summer when the process iscomplete — and if approved by both boards.

Meritus to launch Center for Vulva Disorders, filling gap in health care in region

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Brook Lane, Meritus explore expanded partnership