Partners Ensures a Smooth Transition for Individuals Receiving Services in Rutherford County
GASTONIA, N.C., May 10, 2018 – On April 9, 2018, Rutherford County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to seek engagement with Partners Behavioral Health Management to oversee intellectual/developmental disabilities, mental health and substance use disorder (IDD/MH/SUD) services in Rutherford County. Asheville-based Vaya Health manages the services at this time. The transition to Partners is subject to the approval of the Secretary of North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services.
County Commissioners cited Partners’ clear commitment to local engagement and active collaboration with consumers, providers, and stakeholders as the key factor in their decision. Commissioners agreed that Partners’ community-focused, customized approach to care is a better alignment with the needs of Rutherford County.
Partners Chief Executive Officer Rhett Melton said, “We are committed to listening to and understanding the unique needs of the individuals and communities we serve. We want our consumers to have choice and we look to local stakeholders to help shape our network of providers. At Partners, we work every day to make sure the individuals we serve have the chance for fulfilling lives and that no one is left behind.”
Partners’ top priority is the care and support of the individuals receiving IDD/MH/SUD services in Rutherford County and their families. Partners will work closely with Rutherford County to keep consumers fully informed and to ensure that there would be no disruption in the services they receive. Partners has committed to bringing all Rutherford County providers in good standing with Vaya into the Partners network. Partners is also fully committed to ensuring that citizens who are currently in services and like the services they receive will continue to get the same services from the same caregivers. Melton noted, “We appreciate the opportunity to work with Rutherford County Commissioners, families, providers and stakeholders as they chart the future path for intellectual/developmental disabilities and behavioral healthcare services in their county.”
Through June 19, 2018, County Commissioners are seeking feedback and suggestions from members of the public, consumers, families, providers, Consumer and Family Advisory Committees (CFACs) and community stakeholders. Partners joins Rutherford County in its commitment to transparency and its intent to be inclusive during this process.
More information about the disengagement plan can be found at the Rutherford County Website.
Share your comments by email: mental.health.realign@rutherfordcountync.gov
or by mail: Rutherford County Manager
ATTN: LME/MCO Realignment
289 N. Main St. Rutherfordton, NC 28139