Berlin, Maryland – Chesapeake Health Care, a leading nonprofit healthcare organization dedicated to serving Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties in Maryland, is proud to announce the acquisition and operation of the outpatient Behavioral Health & Crisis Center in Berlin, Maryland.
The Berlin Behavioral Health & Crisis Center, formerly operated by Atlantic General Hospital, has now transitioned into the capable hands of Chesapeake Health Care. Donald Owrey, MBA, FACHE, President and CEO for Atlantic General Hospital and Health System, expressed his satisfaction with this transition, stating, “I was extremely pleased to see that Chesapeake Health Care was able to continue the responsibility of managing the center’s operations and closing existing gaps in crisis care for individuals experiencing behavioral health crises. They have been a wonderful partner in this transition and share in our commitment to organize and provide services to our community as efficiently as possible.”
At the Crisis Center, a dedicated team of behavioral health care providers will focus on addressing immediate crisis symptoms, providing observation, determining appropriate levels of care, and diverting unnecessary hospital admissions. Through triaging, individuals will be connected with peer and community services support, offered crisis counseling, medication management services (including psychiatric and substance abuse treatment when necessary), care navigation, and coordination of their overall health needs.
The Berlin Behavioral Health & Crisis Center caters to both adults and children aged 5 and above. Conveniently located in proximity to Atlantic General Hospital, the center will operate on a walk-in basis, ensuring accessibility for those in need. Its doors will be open from Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Crystal Lambert, LCSW-C, Director of Mental Health for Chesapeake Health Care, acknowledged the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health crisis in the community, stating, “The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the already growing mental health crisis in our community. We’re proud of the work that our team here is providing. This Crisis Center is already having a positive impact on the lives of those in our community.”
The providers offering care at the Berlin Behavioral Health & Crisis Center include Bryce E. Blanton, M.D., Diane E. Skolka, CRNP-PMH, Paige Kreppel-Harrington, LMSW, and Kristy R. Peck Hill, CRNP-PMH. Along with a cadre of support staff, these dedicated professionals offer client assessments, multidisciplinary team collaboration, medication management, and assistance in connecting clients to other vital community resources or higher levels of care.
Chesapeake Health Care is a highly valued resource for the Lower Eastern Shore community, committed to providing affordable and accessible healthcare. Brian Holland, CEO of Chesapeake Health Care, emphasized the organization’s dedication, stating, “Looking toward the future, we remain committed to helping the medically underserved patients in the tri-county area. The continuous expansion and improvement of Chesapeake Health Care emphasizes our dedication to providing comprehensive healthcare services to those on the Lower Eastern Shore.”
The Health Services Cost Review Commission (HSCRC) Regional Partnership Catalyst Grant program has generously approved five years of funding, totaling over $11 million. This grant has been instrumental in establishing the Crisis Center and obtaining the necessary resources to address one of the community’s most pressing needs – access to behavioral health care in times of crisis.
Founded in 1994, Chesapeake Health Care is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, multidisciplinary healthcare practice serving Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties. With a team of over 150 providers specializing in adult and family medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, maternal-fetal medicine, urogynecology, mental health, dental, and pharmacy, Chesapeake Health Care extends its services to uninsured, underinsured, and insured individuals. The organization also offers a Sliding Fee program to assist eligible patients with healthcare payments.
For more information about Chesapeake Health Care and its extensive range of services, please visit www.ChesapeakeHC.org.
Media Contact:
Julie Houk
Marketing & Communications Manager
410-912-6213
jhouk@chesapeakehc.org
