Improved Access, a focus at 蹤獲弝け

Grace Clinic Acquires Mobile Clinic through American Rescue Plan

蹤獲弝け, Inc. is proud to announce the implementation of a new mobile primary care clinic.  Grace Clinic Health Professional, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) Look-Alike supported by the federal government and 蹤獲弝け in Terre Haute, Indiana, will be expanding the clinics services to outlying and underserved areas.  The medically equipped mobile vehicle will reduce obstacles many people experience with lack of transportation to access medical care. The mobile clinic will provide health screenings, primary medical care, and preventative care to children and adults. 

Future expansion plans include COVID-19 testing and vaccination at some of 蹤獲弝けs 24 hour service sites, vaccine-related outreach and education, services to racial and ethnic minorities and homeless families, and other vulnerable, underserved, and underinsured/uninsured populations.  The mobile clinic launch is slated for later this month with hours mirroring that of Grace Clinic Health Professionals clinic – 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Funded by the , a federal grant designed to help Americans recover from economic and health effects brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, Grace Clinics new mobile services will accommodate a larger footprint and ease the struggles of many for whom a trip to see their provider is challenging.

Improving access to care for those who find it difficult to get to a medical clinic is a driving force of this new program, said Melvin L Burks, CEO of 蹤獲弝け, Inc.  We are working to improve the overall health of our consumers and community, he stated. 

Since receiving FQHC Look-Alike status in 2020, Grace Clinic Health Professionals focus is on providing primary medical care to those who have obstacles to services. In particular, the clinic works to bring integrated healthcare to those with mental illnesses and addiction issues as well as groups of people with other health conditions.  In addition, the clinic maintains a sliding fee schedule, and no one will be turned away for inability to pay. 

蹤獲弝け, Inc. is a regional behavioral health system in Central and West Central Indiana with corporate offices located in Terre Haute, IN.  Services are provided to children, adults and families, with specialized programs for expectant mothers, infants, and people who may be struggling with stress, life changes, or relationship issues, as well as more serious problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, and serious mental illnesses.

For an appointment at Grace Clinic Health Professional, call (812) 231-8377.

蹤獲弝け Celebrates 50th Anniversary

Commemorates half-century of efforts to improve mental health care

Terre Haute, IN In 2021, 蹤獲弝け, Inc. commemorates its 50th anniversary. Founded in 1971, originally as Katherine Hamilton 蹤獲弝け Center, the organization has served communities and individuals across west central Indiana with progressive and community-focused behavioral health services.


蹤獲弝け, with the help of committed community partners, has advanced behavioral health and addiction treatment, said Melvin L Burks, CEO of 蹤獲弝け, Inc. Our long standing philosophy of least restrictive care has assisted those with severe mental illnesses and chronic addiction issues to live successfully and independently in their home communities. Hope has often been restored, quality of life enhanced, and in many cases, lives have been saved.


Then and Now:

In the late 1950s, Katherine Hamilton, like many caregivers during that time, was faced with the reality of an inadequate mental health system that focused on institutionalized care. Her sister was struggling with severe mental illness (schizophrenia), and professionals did not provide much hope. After handing her sister over to a long-term care facility, with minimal knowledge or influence over the quality of care she would receive, she began to work to improve conditions and services for those with mental illnesses. Her work nationally and statewide would serve as a foundation for progress in treatment.


After the Community 蹤獲弝け Center Act passed in 1963, Indiana began working to establish community based treatment. After immense community organizing and fundraising, the Katherine Hamilton 蹤獲弝け Center opened its doors at 620 8th Ave, Terre Haute in February 1971. People in the area were now able to seek services close to home rather than traveling to larger cities.


That history, is the story of citizens, volunteers and professionals infused with the belief that mental illness was a major illness in a community and that the dire lack of facilities of treament could be corrected. They believed that through community organization, this could be accomplished.

-History of 蹤獲弝け

Key historical highlights include:
1967 Katherine Hamilton 蹤獲弝け Center became a not-for-profit corporation
1971 Main campus opened 620 8th Ave.
1972 Developmental disability services added
1973 Clay, Parke, Sullivan, and Vermillion Counties offices opened
1975 Greene County office opened
1976 Childrens services offered
1978 Residential services added
1981 Katherine Hamilton 蹤獲弝け Center changed to 蹤獲弝け Inc.
1986 Employment services added
1987 Child & Adolescent Services moves to new 500 8th Ave. building
1993 Healthy Families program opened
1995 Owen County services established
1995 Early Head Start services established
1997 Indianapolis office opened
1998 Putnam County office opened
2000 Bloomfield office opened
2012 HCI Foundation created
2017 Clubhouse services began
2018 WIN Recovery opened in Vigo County
2019 Grace Clinic Health Professional opened
2020 WIN Recovery offices opened in Knox and Hendricks Counties
2020 FQHC Look-Alike designation
2020 Received Certified Community Behavioral Health Center (CCBHC) grant


Since 1971, 蹤獲弝け, Inc. has pursued a mission to provide quality behavioral healthcare, wellness, and human development services to the community by expanding behavioral health services to 21 locations across 11 counties in west central Indiana. Today, employing over 650 individuals, this regional organization has grown to include a comprehensive system of care including whole person wellness through integrated behavioral and primary healthcare services and a large menu of programs serving children and families. In addition, 蹤獲弝け hosts a number of beloved community events, support drives, and social justice initiatives further advancing its vision of excellence in behavioral health services through compassion, customer responsiveness, innovation, and flexibility.


I speak for every employee, current and past, when I say thank you central and west central Indiana for your support and the privilege of serving our communities, said Burks.


A Golden Year of Celebrations:


In celebration of its achievements, 蹤獲弝け will host a series of exciting opportunities to share with the community the milestones and challenges of the last half-century while looking forward to future opportunities. Here is what to look for:


Proclamation of 蹤獲弝け, Inc. Day On February 18, Terre Haute Mayor Duke Bennet will be a guest on Facebook Live with Melvin L, and recognize 蹤獲弝け, Inc. for its 50 years of commitment to improving access and care to those struggling with mental illness.

Free suicide prevention training to community organizations. To learn more go to trainingourcommunity.org.


Moments in Time: 蹤獲弝け through the Years Throughout the year, themed in accordance with national holidays and monthly observances, the organization will release content across a variety of platforms recognizing significant advances in behavioral healthcare and its own corporate history.


The Annual Hamilton Awards Dinner 蹤獲弝け, Inc. will conduct nominations for the Hamilton Awards beginning in fall of 2021, announcing winners on October 26, 2021 at the Annual Dinner. More information about the event will be released in early fall.

蹤獲弝け Adapts to Meet Needs of Community, Those in Crisis

Focuses on coordination of care for those with mental illness.

蹤獲弝け, Inc. was established as a community mental health center in 1971, and as such has been providing quality behavioral health, wellness and human development services to central and west central Indiana. The organizations vision is to advance excellence in behavioral health services through compassion, customer responsiveness, innovation, and flexibility.

Both our mission and our vision have always been guiding principles for our organization but took on a new light this past year, both in response to the needs of our consumers and to the needs of our community in the wake of COVID-19, said Melvin L Burks, CEO of 蹤獲弝け, Inc. Mental health has been placed at the forefront of the social conversation around wellness, especially since the beginning of social distancing guidelines and practices.

In fiscal year 2020 the organization served over 12,300 individuals across its traditional 10-county service area, which expanded to 11 counties in May 2020 with the addition of Knox Countys WIN Recovery, a state certified opioid treatment program. Of those individuals served by the organization, 42 percent live in Vigo County and 79 percent of those served had incomes of less than $8,000 per year. 蹤獲弝け serves some of the most vulnerable Hoosiers, said Burks. We are grateful to our community partners, grantors and others for their support. He said.

In addition, last fiscal year, the organization delivered 264,548 outpatient visits, 5,246 inpatient days and 13,679 residential days.

Coordination of Care

In moments of crisis, no one should have to navigate the complex web of the healthcare system alone. To assist the community, individuals, and families with these issues 蹤獲弝け has focused efforts around coordination of care, specifically for those struggling with mental illness.

This is a powerful goal to aspire towards, however, the resources and coordination required to make this possible for those in crisis can present a seemingly insurmountable challenge for many, said Burks.

In response to barriers to treatment of mental and physical health conditions, the organization has made efforts to not only increase access to services but to also establish coordination of comprehensive holistic care for individuals and families.

In June 2020, the organization was awarded a two year $3.75 million grant through the Certified Community Behavioral Health Center (CCBHC) Expansion Grant from the Substance Abuse and 蹤獲弝け Services Administration (SAMHSA). The grant is a part of the centers broader strategic plan to acquire the CCBHC designation and has three primary components.

As one component of the grant, 蹤獲弝け will establish a 24-hr mobile crisis unit. This service will work alongside local authorities to deliver crisis services to those most in need as well as assist them in accessing services during their most vulnerable times. One of the goals of the program is to relieve some of the mental health crisis demands on local authorities and ERs. We want to connect individuals to the most appropriate services to maximize care and recovery, said Mark Collin, Chief Clinical Officer. In the case of a mental health crisis, crisis management and behavioral health services are the most appropriate services.

Last month, the mobile crisis unit began delivering services in Terre Haute, and will continue to scale gradually, with the ultimate goal of reaching an additional 475 children and adults in the next two years.

Another component is the implementation of the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) model. This model of treatment, an evidence-based approach, will establish an intensive team of health professionals with a primary focus on collaboratively assisting people with serious mental illnesses in becoming independent and integrating into the community.

Additionally, the grant will enhance 蹤獲弝け s capacity to offer mental health and primary health screenings for both children and adults. Through this integrated system of care, individuals can begin to address their issues in a holistic way, promoting higher rates of recovery and, most importantly, wellness.

We are committed to excellence in care coordination, and we welcome additional conversations with leaders and partners committed to helping our team continue to improve along the way, said Burks.

Integrating primary and behavioral health

Grace Clinic Health Professional now open

Removing barriers to treatment is another key component in addressing the health needs of a community. Grace Clinic Health Professional, the organizations primary health care clinic, is now serving consumers at two locations one at Vigo County located at 622 8th Avenue in Terre Haute, IN and the other at 239 Hillsdale Avenue, Suite A in Greencastle, IN. In August, the clinic was designated as a Federally Quality Health Center (FQHC) Look-alike by the Human Resources & Services Administration (HRSA). This designation allows the organization opportunities to develop and implement services required to meet the full qualifications for designation as a Federally Qualified Health Center. Together FQHCs and FQHC Look-alikes work to ensure health care for the Nations underserved communities and vulnerable populations through service provision to all. No one is turned away regardless of ability to pay.

蹤獲弝け for years had recognized that very often those who were seeking intensive mental health or substance abuse services lacked primary care. This was due to lack of financial resources, access, transportation, or their mental illness being an obstacle for seeking other health services. At times these individuals would end up in less than appropriate levels of care such as emergency rooms.

Grace Clinic addresses these issues by providing holistic patient care, to men, women, and children who are underserved, underinsured, or without the ability to pay for quality healthcare. Experts agree that the body and mind are connected, so it is not uncommon for ones mental health to effect other parts of the body and vice versa. Grace Clinic works to improve the overall health of patients by ensuring preventative care and early detection and management of chronic health diseases. In addition to primary care, the clinic also offers some behavioral health services and has the ability to refer to 蹤獲弝け for more intensive mental health and substance abuse services.

In fiscal year 2020, 蹤獲弝け/Grace Clinic provided 3,489 primary care visits.

Telehealth Services

Another component of the organizations strategic plan is a continued expansion of telehealth services. Telehealth services is the use of video conferencing, electronic monitoring, and teleconferencing to deliver health services. Telehealth has exploded in the health care field. In fact, in 2017, 76 percent of all hospitals had established a telehealth system.

Limited access to health care has been a primary focus of both federal and state governments. Currently, 蹤獲弝け serves ten counties with behavioral health services and nine of those are considered mental health professional shortage areas (MHPSA) by HRSA. Telehealth services can be a valuable tool in those areas by perhaps having a therapist from an urban areas deliver services by telehealth to a consumer in rural Indiana where therapists are scarce.

And then came the coronavirus and social distancing guidelines which took telehealth services at 蹤獲弝け to new heights. From March, 2020 to the present, it is the preferred means of delivering outpatient behavioral health and substance abuse services. The organization has the majority of staff working from home who connect with clients electronically each day.  

Telehealth has always been a valuable tool utilized by our organization, specifically in addressing the mental health needs of rural communities, said Burks. When COVID-19 hit, and social distancing became the way of life, our entire organization adapted to those demands quickly and efficiency.

In fiscal year 2020, 24% of services delivered at 蹤獲弝け were by telehealth.

Connecting to the Community

Diversity Walk on Wheels and We Live events continue

On Saturday, August 22 the Diversity Walk-On-Wheels, pulled out of Fairbanks Park with over 120 cars parading across town to Indiana States Memorial Football Stadium. While at the stadium, Burks along with other dignitaries, delivered a presentation on diversity, inclusion and equity in the community, while also addressing the many Social Justice movements sweeping the country.

The Diversity Walk was created to bring a diverse group of people together to break down barriers, build relationships and show what is possible when a community is welcoming to all, said Burks. Our goal was to offer individuals the opportunity to show their support for social justice in a positive and safe way.

On Friday August 21, 蹤獲弝け and event sponsors, First Farmers Bank & Trust and Childrens Bureau, Inc., worked with community partners to deliver over $6,000 in schools supplies to both Benjamin Franklin and Deming Elementary Schools. Over 700 individual bags of supplies were delivered to the school for them to distribute to their student body. In addition, each school received $500 in additional support for the school year.

On behalf of our entire organization, our board of directors and myself – from the bottom of my heart I thank everyone for their efforts in making these events happen, said Burks. I consider the collaboration it took to execute these events in such complex circumstances, to be a testament to our commitment to each other.

* * *

蹤獲弝け, Inc. is a regional behavioral health system in Central and West Central Indiana headquartered in Terre Haute Services include specialized programs for expectant mothers, infants, and people with drug and alcohol problems. Counseling services are provided for people who may be struggling with stress, life changes, or relationship issues as well as more serious problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, and serious mental illnesses.

蹤獲弝け Receives FQHC Look-alike Designation

Establishes one-stop-shop for all health care needs

蹤獲弝け, Inc. has been designated as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) Look-Alike through the Health Center Program of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The FQHC Look-Alike status allows organizations opportunities to develop and implement services required to meet the full qualifications for designation as a Federally Qualified Health Center. Together FQHCs and FQHC Look-alikes work to ensure health care for the Nations underserved communities and vulnerable populations through service provision to all, regardless of ability to pay.

It is critical that we work to maximize access to care for medically underserved populations, said Melvin L Burks, CEO of 蹤獲弝け, Inc. This designation will provide us access to tools to do that with less barriers.

Seeking this designation is a part of 蹤獲弝けs strategic plan to address barriers to health care and to provide primary and behavioral health care integration.  In an effort to provide primary care services the organization opened Grace Clinic Health Professional in 2019 in two locations in west central Indiana. One serves Vigo County at 622 Eighth Avenue in Terre Haute, IN, and the other serves Putnam County at 239 Hillsdale Ave, Suite A in Greencastle, IN. The program is now serving adults, children, and families with primary health and behavioral healthcare in a single location.

Health Centers across the country totaling 12,000 unique service locations – deliver care to the Nations most vulnerable populations. According to HRSA, 1 in 12 individuals nation-wide – more than 28 million people – rely on HRSA-funded health centers for affordable, accessible primary health care. Thats one in nine children, one in five rural residents, and more than 385,000 veterans from across the country.

蹤獲弝けs mission always included serving populations of our community that lack access to health care of any kind, whether that be due to financial barriers, transportation barriers, or social barriers, said Dr. DJ Rhodes, 蹤獲弝けs Chief of Health Clinic Services.  This designation is a turning point in our ability to provide safety net services. FQHC Look-alikes are eligible for Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), discounted drugs through the 340B Federal Drug Pricing Program, receive automatic Health Professional Shortage Area designation, and may access National Health Service Corps providers.

蹤獲弝け, Inc. is a regional behavioral health system in Central and West Central Indiana with corporate offices located in Terre Haute, IN.  Services are provided to children, youth and adults, with specialized programs for expectant mothers, infants, and people who may be struggling with stress, life changes, or relationship issues as well as more serious problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, and serious mental illnesses.

For questions or inquiries about services call (812)-231-8323 or visit www.hamiltoncenter.org.

蹤獲弝け Announces New Team For Health Clinic

Grace Clinic Health Professional

蹤獲弝け, Inc. would like to announce the additions of the following staff of Grace Clinic Health Professional, 蹤獲弝け Inc.s new health clinic.

DJ Rhodes, PhD., Chief Officer of Health Clinics and Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs), comes to 蹤獲弝け with a variety of healthcare experience including hospice, home health, hospital administration as well as OTPs and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). Before making the career shift to healthcare, Dr. Rhodes spent over 15 years in military intelligence, including serving as the Technical Director of Air Force Space Command and Missile Defense System Command overseeing two weapon portfolios. In addition, he works as an adjunct professor at various universities teaching healthcare administration, leadership and critical thinking courses.

Nichelle Washington, B.S., Executive Director of Health Clinics, has been employed at 蹤獲弝け, Inc. for 12 years. Ms. Washington obtained her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Human Services in 2018. Previously, she has held management positions as a Program Manager of Employment Solutions and Project SEARCH. Through her work at Employment Solutions, she led a team of employment specialists who assisted individuals with barriers to employment seek and obtain jobs.

Russel Coutinho, MD, has served the Terre Haute community for nearly 15 years. Graduating from Pune University, in India, as a pediatrics physician, he has held several leadership positions across a variety of hospital settings. Prior to joining 蹤獲弝け, Dr. Coutinho was a neonatologist at Terre Haute Regional Hospital and Union Hospital, Terre Haute. He has worked as an educator at local colleges including Indiana State University and Indiana University – School of Medicine (Terre Haute), in the field of neonatology, nursing, and medicine. In addition, Dr. Coutinho is the Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Pediatrics at Regional Hospital, and in 2009 was locally honored as a March of Dimes Medical Honoree.

Robin Smiddy, NP, has 16 years of experience in acute care nursing and nursing leadership. She graduated in 2019 from Indiana State University with a master of science in Advanced Practice Nursing, and soon after became board certified. As a family nurse practitioner she focuses on preventative health, education, and womens health.

Joy Whitt, NP, is a family nurse practitioner who has served 蹤獲弝け consumers primary healthcare needs since 2017. Her practice emphasis includes preventative health, education, and managing complications specific to behavioral health conditions.

Grace Clinic Health Professional, a primary and behavioral health clinic and community wellness provider, serves Vigo and Putnam Counties. Located at 620 8th Ave. in Terre Haute, IN, the Vigo County clinic is open 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, while the Putnam County clinic, located at 239 Hillsdale Ave. in Greencastle, IN, is currently opened Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

A focus of the clinic is to provide compressive health services to 蹤獲弝け consumers currently receiving behavioral health and addiction services. The clinic offers medical and dental care to all ages through a sliding fee scale based on federal poverty guidelines. No one will be turned away for inability to pay. Patients who do not have insurance can access a clinic navigator who are available on-sight to assist in finding a health plan that best meets the patients needs.

蹤獲弝け, Inc. is a regional behavioral health system in Central and West Central Indiana with corporate offices located in Terre Haute, IN. Services are provided to children, youth and adults, with specialized programs for expectant mothers, infants, and people who may be struggling with stress, life changes, or relationship issues as well as more serious problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, and serious mental illnesses.

For information on 蹤獲弝け services call (800) 742-0787.

蹤獲弝け, Inc. Expands Primary Care Services

Opens Grace Clinic Health Professional

蹤獲弝け, Inc. – 蹤獲弝け is proud to announce the opening of Grace Clinic Health Professional, a primary and behavioral health clinic and community wellness provider serving Vigo and Putnam Counties. Located at 620 8th Ave. in Terre Haute, IN, the Vigo County clinic is open 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, while the Putnam County clinic, located at 239 Hillsdale Ave. in Greencastle, IN, is currently opened Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

A focus of the clinic is to provide comprehensive health services to 蹤獲弝け consumers currently receiving behavioral health and addiction services. The clinic offers medical and dental care to all ages through a sliding fee scale based on federal poverty guidelines. No one will be turned away for inability to pay. Patients who do not have insurance can access a clinic navigator who are available on-sight to assist in finding a health plan that best meets the patients needs.

Grace Clinic Health Professional will be overseen by DJ Rhodes, PhD., Chief of Opioid Treatment Programs and Health Clinics. In addition, the day to day operations will be managed by 蹤獲弝けs Executive Director of Health Clinics, Nichelle Washington. A team of physicians, nurse practitioners and others will offer services that include health screenings, immunizations, treatment for minor illnesses, management of chronic conditions, laboratory and pharmacy services, and referrals to outside specialists including dental.

蹤獲弝け has offered primary care services since 2017 through a grant through the Indiana Department of 蹤獲弝け and Addiction. The development of Grace Clinic Health Professional aligns with 蹤獲弝けs strategic initiative to expand integrated health and wellness services.

We often hear of the mind body connection and that ones mental health can affect other parts of their body, and vice versa, said Rhodes. By offering a community wellness center focused on delivering primary care and behavioral health services all under the same roof, we simplify the process of seeking treatment for any condition, mental or physical, he added.

Those with serious mental illnesses die many years prior to those without these illnesses, said Melvin L. Burks, 蹤獲弝けs CEO. It is our hope to address that statistic by helping make primary care easily accessible and integrated with behavioral health services, he added.

蹤獲弝け, Inc. is a regional behavioral health system in Central and West Central Indiana with corporate offices located in Terre Haute, IN. Services are provided to children, youth and adults, with specialized programs for expectant mothers, infants, and people who may be struggling with stress, life changes, or relationship issues as well as more serious problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, and serious mental illnesses.

For information on 蹤獲弝け Services call (800) 742-0787.