Episcopal Health Foundation Grants HOTBHN Funding for Rural Health Care

WACO, TX – The Episcopal Health Foundation contributes $100,000 to The Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network (HOTBHN) to bridge the gap of comprehensive integrated behavioral health in Limestone, Freestone and Falls counties.

The Episcopal Health Foundation (EHF) is based in Houston and founded in 2013 by the Episcopal Diocese of Texas. EHF chose to focus on improving community health and offer individuals in lower socio-economic communities, with few resources, a healthier way of living by shifting the dialogue on health. Instead of focusing solely on healthcare, EHF continues to operate in divisions for research, grantmaking, and congregational and community engagement.

EHF planning grant funding will support, over the course of six months, the planning and design of comprehensive integrated behavioral health programming in the counties where physical and behavioral health care options are particularly limited. Creating a comprehensive and integrated health care system will support individuals and communities to gain greater access to health care and healthy outcomes.

“It’s very exciting to receive this funding from EHF, as one of HOTBHN’S primary goals is to advance physical and behavioral health integration throughout its six-county service area, specifically its rural areas,” said Ron Kimbell, Division Director at the Klaras Center for Families.

Tom Christian, Director of Grants and Special Projects for HOTBHN adds: “Our main goal with this EHF planning grant, entitled “Planning for Excellence Through Comprehensive Rural Integrated Health Services,” is to plan and develop this comprehensive rural integrated health program model, identify necessary partnerships, work to bring partners on board, and coordinate essential resources to accomplish the program development goals. EHF planning grant aligns with National Best Practices and will allow HOTBHN to plan programs that will serve individuals living in our service area.”

The grant provided by the Episcopal Health Foundation will assist the HOTBHN mission by providing a system where individuals and communities are offered accessible, caring, and responsive support services.

Contact:

Tanya Ledesma, Public Information Coordinator

tanya.ledesma@hotbhn.org Cell: (254) 640-5229