McLean County’s walk-in crisis management facility will soon come under new management, potentially bringing additional revenue to the county.

The McLean County Commission on Thursday will review a contract with the McLean County Human Services Center (CHS) to operate a triage center in Bloomington beginning in November. Since its opening in March 2020, the prefecture has operated the facility.

Kevin McCall, director of behavioral health coordination for McLean County, said the change would allow the county to claim Medicaid reimbursements.

“Today, Triage is still not charging for the service, and we know this has been an issue for many community members for some time,” McCall said. “[They]wonder why we don’t bring in the money.”

McCall said the county has begun implementing an electronic medical records system to begin billing for the FUSE (Frequent User Systems Engagement) program. This helps people with mental health issues and those who are frequently in jail, in the emergency room, or homeless.

The county hopes to begin billing in November, but he said it won’t turn down clients because they couldn’t pay out of pocket. He said he would seek a Medicaid refund in that case.

Under the proposal, the county would pay CHS $219,500 in 2022 to staff the triage center beginning November 1. CHS will receive up to $717,000 next year pending county budget approval.

County mental health services are paid for through a portion of sales taxes collected by Bloomington and Normal.

McCall said the demand for triage centers has increased significantly. At this facility, he had 279 customers in May, June and July. This is close to last year’s total number of cases.

He said the move to outsource triage center operations is part of a shift included in the county’s updated mental health action plan this year.

“We’re… bringing people to the table, sharing information and data so that we can potentially move away from this concept of wanting to make more informed decisions and service delivery. ,” McCall said.

new leader

McCall managed a triage center before being tabbed to oversee the county’s behavioral health program. He succeeded Vanessa Granger-Belcher, who resigned in July due to a family relocation.

McCall, who has been involved with McLean County’s behavioral health programs since 2019, said he was proud of what these programs had achieved in providing mental health care, but to make a bigger impact: It added that more cooperation between social service agencies would be needed.

“We are fully aware of the need to further expand behavioral health and mental health services in this community and break down the silos that exist in our community and many others. I would love to continue,” he said. .

behavioral health forum

McLean County hosts community forums aimed at raising awareness and reducing stigma related to mental health. A full-day Community Behavioral Health Forum is scheduled for October 4th at the Marriott Hotel & Conference Center in Uptown Normal.

McCall said the fifth annual event is free for all McLean County residents and benefits everyone.

“We intend to attract a number of professionals working in social services or in mental health and general health, and they regularly engage in other “You can talk to experts in the field,” McCall said.. “I’d love to see more participation from the community.”

Forums will include breakout sessions on a variety of mental health topics, including adult and youth behavioral health, substance abuse, and resilience.