Community Pathways
In trying to come up with a theme for 2010, we glanced at the “PP” in our logo, and realized that there were two words that helped us make it through what was a very trying year: people, and perseverance.
Our people allowed us to survive 2010. People like our entire Customer Service, Medical Records, and Intake staffs, led by Chris Gossard, Bonnie Bricker, and Linda Johns Bradley respectively, whose adaptation and flexibility has allowed the Walk-In Psychiatric Evaluation program to transform the way we do business. In fact, all clinical staff have pulled together to make walk-in appointments a staple of our offerings, improving access to care for clients most in need.
People like Barb Medlock, whose resolute 
dedication to the Portage Path SUPPORT Hotline has led to her winning awards from the ADM Board and the local chapter of Mental Health America. People like Shelly Obert and Denise Nash, who are spearheading the drive to enroll clients in Medicaid – an initiative which will in large part determine the financial health of Portage Path for years to come.
People like the Administrative staff, whose outreach to community partners like County Executive Russ Pry and leaders at Job & Family Services, Children Services, and Akron General Medical Center has led to key alliances and helped us solidify our place in the local healthcare/social service community. And people like Tim Morgan and the recently-retired Jerry Kraker, who have provided much-needed stability and continuity at the helm of Portage Path.
The other word which symbolized 2010 at Portage Path was perseverance. Providing excellent care to a very difficult population with multiple emotional, physical, financial, and social needs requires a focus and compassion few possess. Doing it at a time when funding for such services is rapidly shrinking requires extreme dedication.
Even in difficult times like these, our staff stays loyal to the mission, and that shows up in our average tenure, which is at ten years. In 2010, we recognized two people marking 35 years with us. It’s amazing (or frightening…) to think that when these people started at Portage Path, our collective vernacular included things like Skylab, the Cold War, Watergate, Evel Knievel, and the Rumble in the Jungle.
Change has always been a constant, but today change is happening at a much faster pace. We are currently experiencing paradigm shifts in the way behavioral health is funded and integrated into the healthcare system. This type of change will likely accelerate, bringing with it a new landscape where teletherapy is common, and people can interact with a clinical professional at any time of day or night, from the comfort of their own home.
Through it all, Portage Path pledges to remain dedicated to serving Summit County residents with quality behavioral health care. It may be delivered via the Internet, and it will probably involve more interaction with a patient’s other healthcare providers, but it will still be focused on rebuilding lives and restoring hope.
Portage Path Joins Prism Health
Portage Path Behavioral Health is proud to announce our membership
in Prism Health, L.L.C., an innovative new behavioral healthcare venture designed to create opportunities for providers, customers, and employees.
Prism Health is a collaboration among four of the leading behavioral health companies in Summit County – Portage Path, Child Guidance & Family Solutions, Community Health Center, and Community Support Services – who collectively serve 33,000 area residents with a full array of behavioral and health services such as outpatient counseling & psychiatry, emergency psychiatric services, case management, crisis intervention, video therapy, addiction treatment, and specialty services like housing, employment, criminal justice diversion programs, homeless outreach, medical, and other supportive services. Prism Health member agencies employ over 770 people at 20 locations.
Initially, Prism Health was born of necessity, as we each struggled to keep up with increased demand in the face of shrinking funding. Working together has enabled us to harness our collective purchasing power, eliminate duplication, and realize various efficiencies, the savings from which has allowed us to serve the many people caught in difficult financial circumstances due to the recession while managing to absorb severe cuts in State support.
As we move forward, Prism Health is looking to build a stronger network of care for residents in northeast Ohio. We’re currently creating a Call Center where anyone with a mental health or substance abuse need can call one number and quickly be connected with the appropriate service provider. This service will also be adapted for use online. In addition, the four members are developing “one-stop shops” where all behavioral health needs can be met under one roof.
We believe that this kind of initiative fits in perfectly with the spirit of collaboration proposed by Summit County Executive Russ Pry, and embodies the principles of accountability and accessibility guiding healthcare reform. We hope to continue to improve services to meet the needs of those in our community.
If you would like more information about Prism Health, visit www.prism-health.com
2010 Financial Statement
Click the link below to view a PDF of the Portage Path Behavioral Health Statement of Activities for the Year Ended December 31, 2010.
2010 Financials