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Wheeler Clinic News

Web Site: http://www.wheelerclinic.org
Alternative in the Community 130 Research Parkway, Meriden, CT 06450
Tel: (203) 235-1654 Fax: (203) 235-1670

Wheeler Clinic provides a comprehensive continuum of behavioral health, special education, community justice, foster care, employee assistance and wellness services to more than 30,000 individuals and families each year.

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WHEELER RECEIVES BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE REACCREDITATION FROM THE JOINT COMMISSION

February 21, 2016

"The reaccreditation process is always an important measure of how we're performing at many critical levels. Our new Behavioral Health Home Certification provides a framework to help us better meet the needs of the individuals and families we serve, as we recognize the interconnectedness of primary and behavioral health," said Susan Walkama, LCSW, president and chief executive officer, Wheeler. "The optional certification goes above and beyond what is required for accreditation, ensuring that we deliver an even higher level of comprehensive, integrated, coordinated care."

The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval� for Behavioral Health Care Accreditation demonstrates continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal of Approval� is a symbol of quality that reflects an organization's commitment to providing safe and effective care. The Behavioral Health Home Certification process measures an organization's ability to deliver person-centered, comprehensive coordinated care and services that support recovery and resilience.

"Joint Commission accreditation provides behavioral health care organizations with the processes needed to improve in a variety of areas related to the care of individuals and their families," said Tracy Griffin Collander, LCSW, executive director, Behavioral Health Care Accreditation program, The Joint Commission. "We commend Wheeler Clinic for its efforts to elevate the standard of care it provides and to instill confidence in the community it serves."

Wheeler underwent a rigorous on-site survey in November of 2015. During the review, compliance with behavioral health care standards related to several areas, including care, treatment, and services; environment of care; leadership; and screening procedures for the early detection of imminent harm were evaluated. On-site observations and interviews also were conducted.

Wheeler achieved Behavioral Health Home Certification at the Wheeler Health & Wellness Center at 999 Asylum Avenue, Hartford; Wheeler Health & Wellness Center, 10 North Main Street, Bristol; and at three of its congregate care facilities.

Established in 1969, The Joint Commission's Behavioral Health Care Accreditation program currently accredits more than 2,250 organizations for a three-year period. Accredited organizations provide treatment and services within a variety of settings across the care continuum for individuals who have mental health, addiction, eating disorder, intellectual/developmental disability, and/or child-welfare related needs.

The Joint Commission's behavioral health care standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, quality improvement measurement experts, and individuals and their families. The standards are informed by scientific literature and expert consensus to help organizations measure, assess and improve performance.

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