Bartlett Regional | HouseCalls | Early Spring 2017

At Bartlett, we’re addressing mental health and addiction issues Behavioral Health: MEETING THE CHALLENGE Lack of mental health support is a huge national issue. When Chuck Bill took office as Bartlett Regional Hospital’s chief executive officer in 2014, one of his first orders of business was to identify challenges to serving patients with mental health and addiction disorders. In March 2016, Bill hired Sally Schneider, MS, for the position of chief behavioral health officer. Schneider came to Juneau after 25 years working in behavioral health care in Kansas and Ohio. Her plan was daunting: comprehensive on-site detoxification services, inpatient and outpatient addiction care, integration of primary care and mental health services, and residential child and adolescent services. “I have been very impressed with the talent in Alaska and the commitment of people, particularly in Juneau and Southeast, to finding solutions to our major behavioral health problems,” Schneider says. “The issues of alcohol and drug addiction stand out statistically and anecdotally. The Division of Behavioral Health and many of the legislators I have met are actively engaged in developing solutions for our state. Mental health services are also a critical need, 4 HouseCalls Early Spring 2017