New critical players and a key new partnership will significantly enhance local community access to the Behavioral Health program at Lakeland Medical Center in St. Joseph going forward. That good news emerges today from the Lakeland Health team as they create a new link with Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services of Grand Rapids.
According to Lakeland officials, the new partnership provides patients access to mental health resources from the Pine Rest facility in Grand Rapids while at the same time widening Lakeland's behavioral health service area. The partnership unit also contracts with Berrien, Cass and Van Buren Counties to accept patients from anywhere in Michigan who meet admission criteria. Additionally, most insurance plans, including commercial and Medicare, are now accepted.
Dr. Sri Uppalapati has joined the Lakeland Health medical staff as the department psychiatrist. Dr. Uppalapati completed his General Adult Psychiatry Residency with the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City. He also recently completed a Sleep Medicine Fellowship with Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, and is board-certified in sleep medicine. Hospitalist, Dr. John Grabowski, will work with Dr. Uppalapati to provide coverage as needed. The two doctors will also be available for Emergency Room and floor consultations going forward.
Also joining the behavioral health team is new full-time Intake Navigator, Kelly Raymond, MSW. In her role, Kelly provides suicide screening, placement, and pyschiatric support to the case managers and social workers on the medical floors at Lakeland.
Jean Brosnan, RN, is Manager of Patient Care at the Behavioral Health unit for Lakeland. She says, "These changes will allow us to better meet the needs of our patients, and will increase access to behavioral health care for our community." She adds, "We're grateful for the outstanding support that has made these changes possible. We have a very dedicated team, and look forward to serving those in need of our services."
