CANYON COUNTY, Idaho — Mental health is a top priority for many organizations in Idaho, including Terry Reilly Health Services. Terry Reilly Health is a community health center that offers mental, medical, and dental health care and pharmacy services throughout the Treasure Valley.
Now, the organization is set to expand their services to reach more people in Idaho with the help of Saltzer Health, which donated $250,000 to kickstart that growth.
"We are excited to be able to partner with Saltzer to expand more behavioral health services primarily in two counties primarily Canyon and Owyhee County," CEO of Terry Reilly Health Services Heidi Hart said.
According to County Health Rankings, Canyon County is ranked in the lower to middle range when it comes to health factors such as obesity, physical activity, excessive drinking, and mental health issues. Owyhee County is ranked among the least healthy counties in Idaho.
"It is a county where we collectively looked at the data and we are concerned about access to care and behavioral health needs,” said Hart.
She says the $250,000 will fund the hiring of additional health specialists.
"We are starting off with hiring two individuals. One is a counselor or social worker who specializes in trauma and behavioral health services," Hart said. "The second position is going to be a patient navigator and a community health educator."
Their main goal is to provide more education and awareness of the importance of mental health in both counties. Hart says she is grateful for the support from organizations like Saltzer that continue to help the communities that need it most.
"Looking for the opportunities to provide community education training whether it is schools, other community agencies. So how do we get the information out there, so we are increasing the skill set of the general community,” said Hart.
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