Iolas clinic of The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas was recently awarded $125,000 to help battle behavioral health and addiction problems.
The funds will be used to hire a full-time provider to address issues such as anxiety and depression as well as alcohol or drug addiction, said Jason Wesco, executive vice president of the CHCSEK, which is based in Pittsburg.
Such issues are typically first diagnosed by a primary care physician when a patient complains of being excessively tired or anxious, said Wesco. But they dont have the tools they need to adequately help these patients. Thats where this expert help will be crucial.
Typically, behavioral health and addiction problems go hand-in-hand, Wesco said.
IN OTHER news, for the third year in a row the CHCSEK was recognized by the Health Resources and Services Administration for providing high-quality care. The good news came with a $105,444 stipend from the federal program.
Wesco said the funding will be used to improve the clinics delivery in health care, targeting chronic issues such as diabetes, heart disease, substance abuse and depression, issues that continue to be a challenge for our patients.
The CHCSEK was one of 18 health centers in the state to receive the funding.
