Petersburg – On Thursday, April 1, the SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC) will assume clinical operations of the Petersburg Mental Health Services (PMHS) facility at 100 Fram Street. On that day, staff will shift from being PMHS to SEARHC employees. PMHS will retain a smaller office in the building and continue as an active non-profit.
“A series of funding reductions meant that PMHS could no longer provide the psychiatric emergency care and services our community has come to depend on and expect,” said Susan Ohmer, PMHS Director. “SEARHC assuming clinical operations allows our clients to continue to see the same trusted providers, in the location they know, through an organization that is committed to providing excellent services.”
Since 1993, PMHS has provided the community of Petersburg with 24/7 behavioral health services. SEARHC is working closely with PMHS to prepare for the shift on April 1. SEARHC has offered employment to all PMHS providers.
“SEARHC is excited to expand our services into the community of Petersburg,” said SEARHC Southern Regional Director and Director of Behavioral Health Mark Walker. “Susan and her team have built an amazing program with nearly three decades of exceptional behavioral health service. SEARHC will strive to continue delivering high-quality care to existing and potential patients.”
In early-March, communications were mailed to existing PMHS patients with instructions for continuing care through the transition. Patients must opt-in and return a release of information form to SEARHC to ensure no breaks in service.
To reach Mountainside Behavioral Health or to receive SEARHC Behavioral Health services, please call 907.772.4963. For more information, visit searhc.org.