Press Release: Regional Mental Health Center to offer primary health services in Hammond, November 2013

Regional Mental Health Center to offer primary healthcare services in Hammond

Merrillville/Hammond…Obtaining primary healthcare services will soon be easier for the homeless and public housing populations in the Hammond area, thanks to the New Access Point Grant that was recently awarded to Regional Mental Health Center.

“The $810,500 Federally Qualified Health Center grant will improve access to primary health care for hundreds of clients,” said Sherry Oman, Regional Health Clinic Executive Director. “We’ve chosen a location on State Street in downtown Hammond that’s being remodeled to accommodate MDs, nurses and office staff. Our target date to open our doors is in early 2014,” she added.

Oman explained that health centers improve the health of the nation’s underserved communities and vulnerable populations by ensuring access to comprehensive, culturally competent, quality primary health care services.

The two-year grant’s purpose is to provide primary health care specifically to the homeless, public housing and mental health center populations. Regional will collect data and report to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Regional Mental Health Center cares for clients aged six years to adult at more than a dozen locations in Lake County. The nonprofit has treated more than 100,000 area residents during its 40 plus years of existence. Services include outpatient counseling, detoxification, partial hospitalization, emergency services, and other short and long-term care options. Visit www.RegionalMentalHealth.org for more information.