Franciscan’s Neighborhood Health Center Transitions to Adult & Child Health
INDIANAPOLIS – Franciscan Health Indianapolis, a nationally recognized hospital and physician network, and Adult & Child Health, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) Look Alike and Community MentalHealth Center (CMHC), have joined together to better address the needs of underserved persons in Central Indiana.
Since 1997, Franciscan Health has owned and operated the Neighborhood Health Center located at 234 E. Southern Ave. in Indianapolis. On April 1, 2019, Franciscan Health will transfer ownership and operation of the clinic to Adult & Child Health. The addition of the Neighborhood Health Center will mark Adult & Child Health’s 4th FQHC clinic opening in the past 18 months.
Approved by HRSA as a FQHC Look Alike in 2017, Adult & Child Health offers family medicine in conjunction with behavioral health and social services it provides as a community mental health center. Integrating primary health services with mental health and addictions treatment allows Adult & Child to focus on the whole health needs of communities and persons served.
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For nearly 30 years, Franciscan Health’s Neighborhood Health Center has been a vital resource for residents in southern Indianapolis, many of whom have limited ability to pay for health care. Building upon the historical role of the center, the organizations believe Adult & Child’s combination of FQHC and CMHC services will bring greater access and breadth of services to surrounding neighborhoods in the area.
“Franciscan Health is pleased to work together with Adult & Child Health,” said Jim Callaghan, MD, CEO of Franciscan Health. “Adult & Child Health is a leader in providing comprehensive mental and physical health. Their mix of services will help ensure patients receive the resources they need to live full and healthy lives.”
Several months in the making, Franciscan Health and Adult & Child Health have coordinated their efforts to address the complex care needs of persons served by the Neighborhood Health Center. The organizations have established a 90-day period during which current providers will work with incoming providers to assure an effective transition of care for each patient. Beyond the personal “warm hand off” occurring between providers in the 90-day period, Franciscan Health will make patients’ medical histories available for continuity of care with Adult & Child Health providers.
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The alignment between Franciscan Health and Adult & Child Health extends beyond the April 1 transition of the Neighborhood Health Center. Dedicated protocols have been established to improve communication and coordination of care for shared patients. Franciscan Health and Adult & Child Health expect their new affiliation will close gaps in the health care continuum and improve patient outcomes by addressing access to care and social determinant disparities common to underserved, low-income communities.
At 234 E. Southern Ave., Adult & Child Health will provide a full continuum of outpatient family medicine and accept patients of all ages. The clinic at 234 E. Southern will be staffed by Dr. Mark Striebel, Dr. Lisa Koers, and a Family Practice Nurse Practitioner. The clinic will serve as a comprehensive health home for acute and chronic medical conditions, sick visits, sports physicals, vaccinations, behavioral health, and disease prevention services.
A trusted leader in providing faith-based, integrated health care, Franciscan Health brings together the latest technology, innovative procedures and the brightest, most compassionate people to serve our patients in Indiana, Illinois and Michigan.
Adult & Child Health strives for caring communities, where every child, adult and family has the opportunity to live healthy, happy lives. Accredited by the Joint Commission, Adult & Child is leading provider of life-enhancing physical, social, and behavioral services in central Indiana. For more information about Adult & Child, please contact Dan Arens, Chief Strategy Officer, at 317-882-5122 or darens@adultandchild.org
