Clarity Healthcare receives federal Medicaid designation creating more access to mental healthcare

QUINCY — Clarity Healthcare, a leading community mental health center in Illinois, recently was designated as a certified community behavioral health clinic (CCBHC). This designation is announced alongside the news that Illinois was selected as one of 10 new states to join the CCBHC Medicaid Demonstration Program.

“We are incredibly excited for this opportunity to expand access to critical mental health and substance use services in Illinois,” Stacey Juilfs, executive director of Clarity Healthcare, said in a press release. “Being named a CCBHC allows Clarity Healthcare to play a vital role in this important initiative, ensuring our community members have the resources they need to thrive.”

Clarity Healthcare had been selected by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) to be a CCBHC if Illinois was selected to be part of the Medicaid Demonstration Program.

CCBHC provides sustainable funding for designated organizations and has been shown to increase access to mental health and substance use care, reduce homelessness and substance use, decrease use of emergency rooms and hospitalizations and improve overall health outcomes. It requires that designated CCBHC organizations provide 24/7 crisis services, outpatient care within 10 business days, medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder, care coordination and support services, as well as other evidence-based treatments.

“Clarity Healthcare has a longstanding commitment to serving our communities, regardless of financial limitations,” Juilfs said. “By becoming a CCBHC, we can significantly increase our impact and ensure our most vulnerable residents receive the high-quality mental health and substance use services they deserve.”

People wishing to get started can come to Clarity Healthcare at 639 York, Suite 21, or call 217-222-6277.