LINCOLN, Neb. (December 2014) – A new partnership between Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska and People’s Health Center will provide an affordable, holistic approach to care for all Lincoln residents, but especially the most vulnerable.
Projected to open in December 2015, the new Health 360 Clinic at 23rd and O Streets will offer behavioral health services, as well as primary health care and an on-site pharmacy. This clinic will be open to everyone in the community, with services offered on a sliding scale.
The Office Max store at the site closed in November. Once the retail space is cleared, and all city permits are secured, the transformation into an integrated care clinic will begin. This will take approximately nine months. The building contains 23,000 square feet of usable space, with space for future expansion if needed.
The 23rd and O location is positioned in the heart of the community. It is easily accessible from the entire city, with full access to bus lines, sidewalks, and trails. It is within walking distance of Downtown Lincoln, the University of Nebraska, cultural/ethnic centers and schools.
Kerry Kernen, MPA, MSN, RN is the Chief Operating Officer of the Health 360 Clinic. She will oversee daily operations. Research shows that fully 70% of adults with a behavioral health disorder also have at least one physical health condition. Conversely, nearly one third (29%) of adults with a medical condition also struggle with behavioral health issues, such as substance abuse or depression.
Individuals with serious mental illness, on average, die 25 years earlier than the general population. In 60% of those cases, the premature death was the result of unmet medical needs, not because of the mental illness itself. Kernen says, “By coordinating care for the most vulnerable in Lincoln, we are significantly improving their chances for a healthier, more stable life and a healthier community for everyone.”
In the interim, integrated services will begin at the current LFS location at 2201 S. 17th Street. People’s Health Center anticipates beginning delivery of primary care services in January, 2015.
The Health 360 Clinic is being made possible through the leadership and support of the Community Health Endowment, Bryan Health, CHI Health St. Elizabeth, Lancaster County Medical Society, City of Lincoln, and the Boards of Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska and People’s Health Center. Apple’s Way is the property developer.
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