HealthLinc and Porter-Starke Services recently hosted over 60 local leaders for an open house at the Federally Qualified Health Center's new clinic located within Porter-Starke's Valparaiso facility. The clinic's location allows Porter-Starke and HealthLinc's service providers to better integrate the care of both organizations' clients and is another step in the near decade-long partnership between the two non-profit healthcare organizations.
"HealthLinc and Porter-Starke continue to work collaboratively to identify the needs of our communities and map out cost effective, collaborative responses," said Beth Wrobel, CEO of HealthLinc. "Every day we move closer to developing new approaches, reversing the health issues that have traditionally plagued some of the individuals we serve," said Wrobel.
HealthLinc and Porter-Starke have been local leaders in healthcare integration; HealthLinc utilizes Porter-Starke behavioral specialists within its healthcare visits to screen for mental health and substance abuse issues. The new clinic will expand primary healthcare services at Porter-Starke, a process that has shown preliminary effects.
According to Wrobel, the clinic has helped 42% of the 70 patients that have received services to lose weight, many to quit smoking and improve their overall health and mental health status.
"This ever-expanding partnership helps us meet the healthcare needs of the whole person, not just their mind or body," said Rocco Schiralli, President/CEO of Porter-Starke Services. "What we are seeing is better outcomes in both areas as a result and, most importantly, a better quality of life for our clients," said Schiralli.
HealthLinc and Porter-Starke have received national recognition for their collaboration.
