Effective July 6, Renton, Wash.-based Providence Health & Services and Irvine, Calif.-based St. Joseph Health have officially joined forces to create Providence St. Joseph Health, a nonprofit health and social services system that will serve as the parent organization for more than 100,000 caregivers across seven states.
The combined system includes 50 hospitals, 829 physician clinics, senior services, supportive housing and many other health and educational services across Alaska, California, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas and Washington.
"A cornerstone of our missions is addressing significant social, community and health needs of our most vulnerable populations," Rod Hochman, MD, CEO of Providence St. Joseph Health, said in a statement. "One of the most challenging health issues facing our communities today is access to effective mental health services. Together, we will convene diverse partners and will be a catalyst for change for the many who struggle with mental health stigmatization, diagnosis and treatment."
To support this effort, Providence St. Joseph Health has created the Institute for Mental Health and Wellness, aided by an initial $100 million investment that will be used to identify and advance innovative solutions in mental health. The health system will convene an expert advisory panel to create a blueprint for improving mental healthcare in communities around the U.S. Maureen Bisognano, recently retired president and CEO of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, will serve as the chair of the panel, working alongside Dr. Hochman.
The health system has also established the Foundation for Mental Health and Wellness to oversee this work. The fund will support research and startup operations for mental health awareness, diagnosis and treatment.