Franciscan Health Michigan City has partnered with Signet Health to manage and provide advisory services for its behavioral health program.
Scott Mundell, administrative director of business development at Franciscan Alliance, said Signet Health has “a wealth of experience and an experienced team focused on behavioral health and rehab.”
He added while Signet is serving in an advisory and management capacity, patient care will still be provided by Franciscan Health.
Signet Health is based in North Richland Hills, Texas, and operates in 30 states. It works with hospital leadership to create behavioral health programs rooted in best practices and innovative therapies.
“Signet really brings that expertise in managing and operating mental health services, looking at what services are needed in the community and staffing those,” Mundell said.
Joy Figarsky, Signet Health president and chief operating officer, looks forward to working with Franciscan.
“It is an honor to partner with Franciscan Health who recognizes the demand for mental health services and chooses to provide a behavioral health continuum of care for their community,” she said. “Franciscan Health Michigan City’s mission driven, future-focused commitment to comprehensive, whole person care will make a difference in many lives.”
The partnership follows the relocation of Franciscan Health Michigan City’s 14-bed inpatient behavioral health unit from the new hospital near I-94 to the former and recently refurbished campus on Homer Street. The move provides the potential for future growth with additional beds and services, Franciscan representatives said.
Dean Mazzoni, president and CEO of Franciscan Health Michigan City, said across the nation for many years there has been a tremendous need for access to additional mental health services.
“Unfortunately, the pandemic has only exacerbated this need,” he said. “While many health systems have chosen to leave mental health care in pursuit of more lucrative services, Franciscan Health recognizes how important this service is to our community and the patients that need mental health care.”
