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The Program, The Architects, The Benefits

A few years ago, a public-private partnership of hospitals, community based providers, state personnel, elected officials, educators and community leaders came together to address the needs of those struggling with mental illness and substance abuse that affect the entire community. The result is a vision for behavioral healthcare in Region 6 that is sustainable, and is a big step toward providing a more seamless continuum of care. The result is Lasting Hope Recovery Center.

• Passage of the Nebraska Behavioral Health Service Act in 2004 provided a team of public officials and community leaders with an opportunity to significantly advance the quality of behavioral healthcare to serve our area.
• This ad hoc taskforce, with the help of HDR health care consulting, quantified the need, reviewed and studied alternatives, interviewed experts, discussed problems, developed options and built consensus around an initiative that will better serve consumers in Region 6.
• The vision developed by this public-private partnership has five primary objectives:
  • To provide high-quality, community-based services;
  • To provide a seamless continuum of care;
  • To promote recovery and wellness;
  • To serve as a statewide resource for professional education; and
  • To serve as a model for clinical excellence.
• Lasting Hope Recovery Center is a centerpiece of this initiative and will provide direct access to acute and sub-acute care, and crisis and referral services to all types of consumers including voluntary, involuntary, Medicaid, Medicare, private pay and underinsured/uninsured.
• Lasting Hope Recovery Center will be a gateway to the continuum of care and a place of psychiatric expertise for consumers, families and law enforcement.
• The facility is scheduled to open by the end of 2007 and will be located in the former Richard Young 415 building at 24th and Harney.
• The Center will have a 64-bed capacity and will be managed by Alegent Health.
• Two area hospitals, Alegent Health and The Nebraska Medical Center, will provide financial support for Lasting Hope Recovery Center, if necessary.
• Annual operating costs are estimated at approximately $15 million. Ten million dollars is expected to be generated from Medicare, Medicaid and Insurance. The state has agreed to provide an additional $5 million per year in supplemental support. Alegent Health and The Nebraska Medical Center have each agreed to hold $5 million in reserve over 10 years to cover additional, unexpected operating expenses.
• As a result of the dedication of members of this public-private partnership, consumers will receive high-quality care close to home; law enforcement will have a psychiatric “home base” for people in crisis; families will have access to expertise and support; and enhanced psychiatric training will provide for better quality care.