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Message ANNUAL REPORT TO OUR COMMUNITIES Covering July 1 2023 to June 30 2024 2024 One life at a time One community at a time
Table of Contents Pages 1 3 Organizational Summary Purpose Values Ambition Pages 4 5 Meridian s Leadership Executive Team and Board of Directors Pages 6 7 Letter from the CEO Meridian is People Page 8 11 Organizational Summary including Financials Pages 12 17 Summary of Services In Our Region and Beyond Pages 18 21 Client Outcomes and Stories Pages 22 27 Thank Yous to Sponsors Partners and Donors Pages 28 29 Meridian s Award Winners Pages 30 33 Program Highlights and a Look Towards the Future Meridian Healthcare
Our Purpose We restore and build community with life changing care Every day we support our patients and their families on their journey to hope recovery and wellness We provide them with resources to rise from challenges and soar to new heights The word meridian means a high point That s what we strive for to build up community by helping people reach their highest potential Since our founding over 50 years ago we ve broadened our behavioral health services and expanded our reach to 14 counties throughout North Central Florida But we are still guided by a shared purpose people first always This means we treat mental illness and substance use with humanity and compassion for every individual We nurture our staff and support their abilities because they are what makes Meridian such a special place 352 374 5600 mymeridianhealthcare org 800 330 5615 1
Our Values Hope A healthy dose of hope helps us stay positive on the most challenging days Empathy We are committed to compassion understanding and genuine human connection Accountability We all have a responsibility to work with integrity as we strive to deliver highquality care Resilience Our community depends on us to show up and continually give our best Teamwork Collaboration is key to providing exceptional care 2 Meridian Healthcare
Our Ambition Together we will transform our communities from the inside out There s more to Meridian 352 374 5600 mymeridianhealthcare org 800 330 5615 3
Executive Team 4 Donald P Savoie Annmarie Attaway President Chief Executive Officer Senior VP Chief Financial Officer Alan Paulin Senior VP Clinical Community Services Lauren Cohn Ashley Tozier Executive VP Chief Operating Officer Senior VP Medical Services Meridian Healthcare Richard Anderson Senior VP Chief Clinical Officer
Board of Directors Jeff Feller Chair Alachua Bob Milner Vice Chair Bradford Stephanie McClendon Secretary Suwannee Tina Seifert Executive Committee Columbia Patricia Knight Executive Committee Gilchrist Paul Metts Executive Committee Alachua Jason Cason Levy Becky Sharpe Lafayette Amanda Manske Union Irma Phillips Maxwell Alachua Kindall Crummey Baker Stuart Wegener Alachua The need for accessible high quality behavioral health services has never been greater Meridian along with supporters and community partners works to open the door to greater possibilities for those we serve offering hope healing and a brighter future for individuals and families across our communities Denise Bennett At large Jeff Feller Board Chair 352 374 5600 mymeridianhealthcare org 800 330 5615 5
Letter from the CEO As we reflect on this past year it is clear that 2024 was another remarkable year for Meridian marked by continued growth and innovation in support of our communities This annual report showcases not only a new look and feel but also a significant shift from behavioral health to comprehensive healthcare We often say there is no health without mental health and this has never been truer and is evident in our new branding as we expand our role as a health home providing both behavioral and primary healthcare The trust placed in Meridian by our patients their families and loved ones is something we take very seriously We are grateful to our staff and partners for the critical role they play in the health and well being of our communities The Meridian staff and Board of Directors have never been more focused or committed to improving the lives of those in our care and extending our mission to everyone in need For many of us this work is more than a job it is a calling and the work done is lifesaving for so many individuals One aspect that is less often discussed is the education and awareness that Meridian continually provides about mental health and addiction treatment As we approach 2025 it is very concerning that there is still so much lack of understanding and empathy for those in need Many of us have dedicated our entire careers to educating teaching and seeking compassion for those 6 Meridian Healthcare
facing mental health and addiction struggles Sadly it is often only after a crisis that individuals their families friends and communities begin to understand the impact of behavioral health challenges Meridian will continue to educate engage and support our communities with the hope that someday behavioral health will be universally understood and met with compassion and support Lastly I want to personally thank the entire Meridian team both past and present as well as our partners friends and those we ve served As I enter retirement at the end of 2024 I look back on a journey I never anticipated but that I am so very grateful for It has been an honor to work alongside such wonderful and caring professionals and a true privilege to serve the Meridian team and our communities I ve said it before and I ll say it one last time Meridian is people People working together committed to a common goal of improving the lives of those around us This is a simple yet powerful concept and worthy of our respect and support I look forward to seeing the great things Meridian will achieve in the future as the organization continues its very important mission Meridian is people People working together committed to a common goal of improving the lives of those around us With much respect and thanks Donald P Savoie President CEO 352 374 5600 mymeridianhealthcare org 800 330 5615 7
Organizational Health Between each and every one of the Revenue moments of lifechanging care provided to the community by Meridian s staff there are decisions Expenditures being made by Meridian s Board and Executive Team regarding the financial Assets sustainability of the organization which in turn ensures even more transformative moments in people s Liabilities lives This is reflected in the graph to the right 8 Meridian Healthcare 60 98M 58 11M 44 44M 10 72M 0 10M 20M 30M 40M 50M 60M 70M
Community Investment TIENT TREATMENT INPA T AN D MOB IEN ILE INPAT RES CY 7 4 6 1 47 6 1 N E PO G R NS E M E E Once U M C M C O A S E D 6 2 4 B 7 3 OU S TPA 4 E R V T I E N T 8 5 I C E 1 4 S 21 AS M E SIS DIC AT IO N TED 10 TREAT M ENT 0 3 8 4 74 indigent care funds from the state and county were exhausted Meridian provided hundreds of thousands of dollars in services to individuals despite having no established payment NI options AR TY 36 E Outreach Prevention 314 481 R ESI D T R EA E N TI A L T 5 9 8 M E N T 3 9 5 3 RY E IAT CAR H C P SY A RY 7 7 3 P R I M 91 3 5 Veteran Services 1 136 906 Housing Support 1 705 053 Criminal Justice Diversion 2 318 571 Psychiatry Primary Care 4 090 377 Meridian has long been a safety net provider for the North Central Florida region and beyond investing heavily in the well being of communities of all shapes and sizes by helping those on the fringes effectively raising up everyone by lifting from the bottom To the left you will find the leading programs through which Meridian supports all of us by supporting the least of us 352 374 5600 mymeridianhealthcare org 800 330 5615 9
Our Staff Staff by Profession Nurses 91 Admin 148 ilt o Un n 5 i o Na n ss 3 au 1 Gilchrist 16 Baker 17 Putnam 18 Bradford 24 Meridian Healthcare 1 tte ye fa e 4 La xi Di 10 ee n wa Total Positions 888 Marion 30 Columbia 210 Levy 32 Alachua 517 10 Su Total Staff 674 Positions by Location Clinical Licensed 42 Clinical Program 368 Ha m Physicians APRNS 25
Workplace of Choice Why People Join Meridian Competitive Salaries Generous Time Off Healthcare Options Wellness Incentives Advancement Opportunities Tuition Reimbursement Licensure Supervision Why People Stay The People The Mission The Experience The Perks 352 374 5600 mymeridianhealthcare org 800 330 5615 11
Service Area Fiscal year 2024 was another banner year for Meridian when it came to focusing on those at the heart of our service area which is growing every year In all we served 18 179 clients within our 13 county region As you can see from this service area map in person visits vary from county to county while Telehealth remains a favored option for receiving services from Meridian Hamilton 13K 379 Suwannee 45K 1 136 Meridian Healthcare Columbia 72K 2 429 Dixie 17K 675 KEY County Population Unique Clients Neighboring 2 176 Union 11K 526 Lafayette 8K 319 Facility 12 Baker 26K 966 Gilchrist 20K 522 Levy 45K 992 Bradford 27K 1 177 Putnam 75K 566 Alachua 284K 5 613 Marion 396K 818 Telehealth 11 491
Detail on opposite page 11 000 Clients Served 5 000 Clients Served 2 250 4 999 Clients Served 1 001 2 249 Clients Served 501 1 000 Clients Served 101 500 Clients Served 25 100 Clients Served 12 24 Clients Served 1 11 Clients Served Service Reach As seen in the heat map at left Meridian s reputation continues to grow far beyond its service area extending north into Georgia and as far south as the Keys As the map shows Meridian served residents in 65 of Florida s 67 counties With our rebrand we anticipate an uptick in engagement As such we will continue expanding our access to and capacity for healthcare services in order to ensure anyone looking for help in a crisis or otherwise can readily get the support they need 0 Clients Served 352 374 5600 mymeridianhealthcare org 800 330 5615 13
Counseling Therapy 71 575 Psychiatric Services 45 552 Emergency Screening 13 099 Psychosocial Rehab 10 181 Meridian Healthcare CAT 7 935 FACT Florida Assertive Community Treatment ARF Addictions Receiving Facility FACT 7 896 Family Services 4 880 PC 1 752 IO 958 Diversion Recovery 16 487 Access Admissions 7 630 Community Based Care 32 271 14 Childrens CSU 25 561 Adult CSU 33 636 Medication Assisted Treatment 198 717 CAT Community Action Team MIST Mother s Intensive Support Treatment Residential Treatment 32 741 Supported Housing 16 646 Bridge House 13 057 MIST 7 529 Recovery Center 6 658 Williams Manor 5 497 PC Primary Care IO Intensive Outpatient ARF 7 513 The Lodge 9 612 Joyce House 2 654 Outpatient Services 405 827 Acute Care Services 79 809 Transitions 4 380 Services Provided
Diagnoses Treated Adults Each 2 Children 23 87 Depressive Diagnoses 31 83 29 05 Substance Use Diagnoses 1 34 2 64 Behavior Attention Conduct Diagnoses 31 66 10 39 Traumatic Stress Diagnoses 15 26 2 99 Adjustment Diagnoses 10 47 8 71 Anxiety Diagnoses 8 29 14 88 Schizophrenia Psychotic Disorders 0 67 12 68 Bi polar Disorders 0 59 3 35 Other Disorders 25 42 0 47 Autism Spectrum Disorders 1 29 6 34 General Health Conditions 0 98 0 47 Personality Disorders 0 08 Note percentages reflect co occuring diagnoses and will not add up to 100 352 374 5600 mymeridianhealthcare org 800 330 5615 15
Client Demographics Age Income 40 19 30 yrs 37 35 7 of clients live up to 300 above poverty line 31 64 yrs 35 5 84 of clients at or below poverty line 30 25 20 15 13 18 yrs 12 10 7 12 yrs 6 5 5 0 6 yrs 2 16 Meridian Healthcare 65 yrs 6 6 2 of clients live 300 above poverty line 8 of clients live up to 50 above poverty line
Client Demographics Gender Race Adults Children Female 53 Female 47 50 White 49 74 45 40 35 Unidentified Other 31 69 30 25 20 Black African American 15 96 15 10 Male 45 Male 50 2 Unknown 5 Asian 31 American Indian 26 Multi Racial 2 81 Pacific Islander 01 Native Hawaiian 04 Alaskan 01 3 Unknown 352 374 5600 mymeridianhealthcare org 800 330 5615 17
Client Outcomes 63 54 78 18 of adults with Depression and Anxiety reported an improvement in their symptoms and their functioning at discharge of children with Depression and Anxiety reported an improvement in their symptoms and their functioning at discharge Meridian has been helping me for years 18 Meridian Healthcare These programs have genuinely helped me thank you all so much I m alive because of the help I got through Meridian
Feedback Kiosks Your Voice Matters Meridian has begun distributing kiosks in our sites to collect real time feedback from individuals and families served Continuous Quality Improvement is a priority at Meridian and listening to and acting on the needs and preferences of those we serve is a critical component of that These kiosks will allow us to provide a confidential accessible easy tool to submit feedback that will give us real time data to ensure we are delivering quality services and improving the lives of those we serve 352 374 5600 mymeridianhealthcare org 800 330 5615 19
Client Stories Since receiving services from Meridian I feel more confident I better understand my feelings and can cope with stress The team has been very empathetic active listeners and they are nonjudgmental I feel comfortable and safe Meridian has helped me see positive steps I can take to becoming a better me Services that Helped Deirdre Individual Counseling Peer Support Sincerely Deirdre A 20 Meridian Healthcare Care Coordination
Services that Helped Ashley Individual Counseling Medication Assisted Treatment Peer Support Group Counseling Residential Treatment Medication Management Client Stories Before coming to the Mothers Intensive Support Treatment MIST Program I used to doubt myself However I learned so much about myself through individual therapy group therapy and peer support which boosted my self confidence I learned to understand what I wanted in life and how to set boundaries Most importantly I am a much better mom for my three year old son MIST helped me see the clean and sober person I wanted to become It s good to know Meridian is always on my side Sincerely Ashley S 352 374 5600 mymeridianhealthcare org 800 330 5615 21
Thank You to Our Donors 10 000 Above Denise Kenneth Bennett 5 000 to 9 999 Queen of Peace Catholic Church Tonia L Werner 2 000 to 4 999 Dr Maggie M Labarta Jon Cherry First Federal Bank Cheney Brothers 1 000 to 1 999 Don Karen Savoie Ben E Keith Foods Continuance of Name 22 Meridian Healthcare Richard Sharon Jones Emily Domingo Gainesville Thrives Board of County Stanley A Rakofsky Commissioners David Johnson Alachua County Eric Parker Leslie Roseman 500 to 999 Angela L Choate Salter Feiber P A Jannine Barnes Simply Healthcare Betty D Jackson Plans Inc Clifford Will Teresa Mullin Trenton Medical Center Maurice D Levy Steve Datkuliak INC Amelia Alvarez Santa Fe College Irene Kellner Heather Damron Cornelia O Stern Catherine Ipser Naima Brown Robert Milner 100 to 499 Jason Kirby Camila Dominguez Matthew G DeWein Nancy Bitton Brooke Lupinacci Bryce Tracy Burger Alli Dransick Ashley Tozier Barry Jacobson Connor Flynn Nick Deloach Susan Dingus Gary L Davis Jr Meldon Law Josue Ostolaza Joy M Riddle Kenneth Bennett Mary Benedict
The following is a compilation of all donors who made gifts during the 2023 2024 fiscal year 99 Below Gina Deracleo Maureen M Burdick Robert Norberg Daniel Brianna Martin Celia Burger Brandon West Connie Stern Diana Drew Kevin Marshall Kimberly Simmons Mary Alford Michelle Lisk Sarkis Clinical Trials Terri Crawford Valerie Pasquale Alexandra Stanaland Carol Auerbach Chad Paris Harvey Goldstein Jeremy Mikell Lauren Cohn Margaret D Green Stuart Wegener Diane M Hogan Sara J Mihlfeld Amanda Manske Michael Giebelhouse Miles for Meridian Tina Harkness Kara Wassman Stephen Karafa Jennifer Weaver Theodore Weaver Margaret Mccloskey Mary Benedict Alex Sarosi Rick Lind Mallory Becker Chris Mccuiston Stephanie Foley Steven Foley Matthew Lisko Jeff Feller Alexander Costa Teresa Costa Amy Jonasson Anas Ismail Rhonda Clyatt Terri Cochran Krishna Jha Joshua Forgione Melissa Forgione Ashley Tozier Lindsey Digiosia Marco Digiosia Barrett Standish Brennan Standish Carolynne Standish Kyle Standish Rob Pettie Christina Pettie Kady Morris Don Savoie Karen Savoie Stephanie Esposito Mikayla Birnstiel Ian Fletcher Patrice Fletcher Alex Flinchum Landon Harrar Anne Polo Tim Propes Julianne Raymond If we have made a mistake in compiling this list please do let joni_perkins mbhci org know 352 374 5600 mymeridianhealthcare org 800 330 5615 23
Our Continued Thanks Rex Wier Tiffany Williams Propes Vicki Gervickas David Macphaul Ritu Shah Priscilla Guariglia Tammie Geer Michelle Burridge Chaise Champion Johnny Fussell Sabrina Busch Brian Busch Karolina Glogiewicz Jay Price Hannah Fisher Abigail Fisher Alexandra Fochi 24 Meridian Healthcare Roeland Vandevelde Isaac Swope Amanda Larson Denise Bennett Katrin Silvis Lewis Silvis April Thompson Barry Mcandrew Lee Mcandrew Shaheeda Fawcett Meredith Smith Jennifer Nalli Stuart Arnold Alennys Taveras Seda Kerra Knight Stacha Donaldson Dylan Guzman Letteen Lilian Guzman Letteen Dylan Townsend Susanne Townsend Cortney Perez Jaxxon Duenas Danielle Hamel Joy Riddle Barry Mcandrew Lee Mcandrew Christian Silvis Dakota Tredway Garand Garand Wendy Shirah Shahriar Shahabaldine Kelly Harvey Devala Griffith April Phinazee Regina Grimes Mauri Bryant Tera Kelley Kaylin Harmon Matthew Byal Eva Del Valle Sara Young Jon Farland Michelle Farland Katelin Sexton Kurt Linebarger Joelle Higgins Penny Church Pupke Laurel Payne Lisa Johnson Stacie Stephenson Betty Godshall Michael Modeski Lori Muniz Anas Hammoudeh
Our Continued Thanks Julie Rada Amy Meacham Lourdes Ptschelinzew Audrey Rada Teresa Jenkinson Kate Lindt Cailin Lewis Niya Dix Joanne Edde Andrew Kotranza Sarah Kotranza Jessica Thompson Jennifer Sykes Otto Strasburg Eric Godet Yvette Godet Kevin Marshall David Martin Madelyn Martin Margaux Martin Megan Martin Frances Richburg Jimmy Ossa Luke Hart Julian Bautista Du Meyer Juan Motta Alan Paulin Olivia Green Renae Green Shelley Salter Brooke Douglas Gracie Manske Amanda Thomas Sally Chappell Eileen Ahlquist Devon Myers Lisa Coleman Steve Cannon Jordan Polo Paula Allen Board of Associates Eric C Parker Steve Datkuliak Sam Guess Jim Ipser Cathy Ipser Joel Islam Chad Paris Mary Benedict Denise Bennett Kevin Marshall Heather Damron Joanne Edde 352 374 5600 mymeridianhealthcare org 800 330 5615 25
Our Corporate Sponsors Platinum Level Gold Level Silver Level Bronze Level Supporters Patrons 26 Meridian Healthcare
And Community Partners Gainesville Police Department Alachua County Sheriff s Office Co responder Services Community Services Alachua County School Board Columbia County School Board Baker County School Board Dixie County School Board Gilchrist County School Board Levy County School Board Bradford County School Board Union County School Board Suwannee County School Board Lafayette County School Board Hamilton County School Board Marion County School Board Putnam County School Board CAT MRT and Outpatient Services Criminal Justice Diversion and Recovery Services 352 374 5600 mymeridianhealthcare org 800 330 5615 27
Employee Awards Leadership Award Supervisor of the Year Michelle Lisk Vice President Performance Risk Management Alexis Day Medical Practice Manager 28 Meridian Healthcare Innovation Award Employee of the Year Patricia Powers Contracts Grants Budget Manager Rose Taber Recovery Specialist Williams Manor
Heart Life Community Award This award recognizes difference makers bringing heart and purpose to all they do in support of behavioral healthcare in order to strengthen our community Commissioner Carolyn Spooner Bradford County Board of County Commissioners Chair 352 374 5600 mymeridianhealthcare org 800 330 5615 29
Central Receiving The new Central Receiving Facility will revolutionize the way mental health and substance use crises are managed in the community providing a single point of access for individuals in need of emergency evaluation and stabilization The 2 5 million expansion includes multiple separate waiting areas for children and adults in crisis A law enforcement only bay area as well as private screening rooms and offices were added Alachua County and the City of Gainesville both invested 500 000 in the project An additional 496 000 was also provided by the City of Gainesville through a Legislative Budget Request for construction with Meridian Healthcare investing 1 million For operations 1 75 million was designated by the Alachua County American Rescue Plan for the first year with 2 1 million annually from a legislative appropriation managed by LSF Health Systems The facility required adding a new CRS director nurses emergency screeners and mental health technicians Individuals experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis can also walk in voluntarily 30 Meridian Healthcare
Internationally Accredited Quality Healthcare Organization In June 2024 Meridian successfully achieved Center wide reaccreditation through CARF International for three years a testament to our unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards of excellence This reaccreditation followed a comprehensive review by 11 CARF surveyors over 18 sites where our policies procedures and practices were rigorously evaluated to ensure alignment with the industry leading best practice standards This achievement underscores our commitment to continuous quality improvement and to our core values of hope empathy accountability resilience and teamwork enabling us to transform our community through life changing care Reaccreditation not only confirms our standing as a leader in the healthcare field but also continues to open new opportunities for growth According to CARF surveyors Meridian works to improve the lives of the clients and provide them with hope for the future Surveyors also highlighted Meridian promotes an atmosphere of trust security and safety which enhances the ability of clients to engage in the recovery process and leads to positive outcomes in the health and well being of the clients As we move into the next year we are more committed than ever to building on this success and further enhancing the impact we have on our communities 352 374 5600 mymeridianhealthcare org 800 330 5615 31
New Grants Criminal Justice Mental Health and Substance Abuse Reinvestment Grant An Alachua County and Meridian Healthcare collaborative grant application resulted in a Department of Children and Families state grant award of 1 2M in funding over three years that supports a multidisciplinary team and a law enforcement co responder clinician for Alachua County working to increase access to comprehensive care reduce recidivism and increase employment independence for those involved in the legal system This grant includes collaboration with Alachua County and Alachua County Sheriff s Office and the reestablishment of the Criminal Justice Mental Health and Substance Abuse Grant Planning Committee through Alachua County Court Diversion Grant Meridian was awarded 1M in funding over three years under this Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration SAMHSA grant to provide pre and post booking diversion services in order to connect individuals with needed treatment and support services assist with remaining in the community and reduce recidivism This grant will support 8 new Diversion Care Coordinator positions across our service region providing screening assessment evaluation re entry assistance and linkage to healthcare and community resources with a focus on client s strengths to build on past successes promoting self sufficiency and recovery Jail based Medication Assisted Treatment Grant Meridian was awarded 3 191 960 00 in funding over three years under this grant from the State of Florida Department of Children and Families Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health funding appropriated through the Department from the Opioid Settlement Trust Fund OSTF The grant funds were awarded to Meridian to operate a Jail Based Medication Assisted Treatment MAT Program within 5 local county jails Bradford County Jail Dixie County Jail Gilchrist County Jail Suwannee County Jail and Putnam County Jail in order to help reduce incarceration and recidivism of those who experience addiction and mental health challenges as well as increase successful re entry to the community 32 Meridian Healthcare
A Look Ahead As I step into the role of CEO I am deeply honored to be a part of an organization that is driven by a shared commitment to supporting individuals on their healthcare journeys and helping them build meaningful fulfilling lives The past year has shown me just how powerful our collective impact is when we work together as a community each of us contributing to the greater good of those we serve We made significant strides in expanding access to services integrating innovative care models and enhancing community partnerships as we focused on meeting the unique needs of each person we serve prioritizing individualized whole person care As we look ahead I am excited to continue the incredible legacy built by my predecessor With each step forward we move closer to our vision of stronger communities communities breaking down barriers transforming the way people think about behavioral health and ensuring that everyone has the support they need to thrive Mental well being is not just an individual journey but a community responsibility We will continue to focus on strengthening the fabric of the communities we serve by advocating for resources building integrated systems of care and fostering collaboration I look forward to working alongside our dedicated team stakeholders and partners and I thank you for your ongoing support as we come together with heart and purpose to make a lasting impact one life at a time one community at a time With gratitude Lauren Cohn President CEO 352 374 5600 mymeridianhealthcare org 800 330 5615 33
We restore and build community with lifechanging care Meridian Healthcare is an affiliate of Meridian Healthcare is funded in great part by the following partners There s more to Meridian Scan QR Code to Donate Scan QR Code for Text for Help CARF Certified Since 2003 Address 4300 SW 13th STREET GAINESVILLE FL 32608 Phone LOCAL 352 374 5600 TOLL FREE 800 330 5615 Text Client to 352 7171 6191 e Contact WWW MBHCI ORG FEEDBACK MBHCI ORG Socials