Wyoming Valley Behavioral Health Thrives Under New Leadership to Bridge Psychiatric Care Gaps

Lynn Brown has dramatically transformed Wyoming Valley Behavioral Health, increasing its workforce from 35 to nearly 200 employees in under a year. As the CEO, she aims to tackle the stigma surrounding mental health and make care accessible to everyone in Northeast Pennsylvania.

Brown, who is in long-term recovery herself, shares a deep personal connection to this mission. “It’s about meeting the needs of the community,” she says. “When people receive the right services, they can live well and see improvements in their quality of life.” She took on the CEO role in May 2024, and the facility currently has space for 82 patients with plans to expand to 149 beds. Brown is focused on ramping up operations safely while also recruiting and training staff.

The closure of First Hospital, which used to provide essential mental health services in the area, left a significant gap after it shut down with only 30 days’ notice. “The community was devastated by that loss,” said Brown. “We’re stepping in to fill that gap.” Wyoming Valley Behavioral Health has been actively engaging with community partners to understand what the community needs.

Mental health challenges in the region are pressing. Data from Pennsylvania’s Department of Health reveals a suicide rate of 18.2 per 100,000 in Luzerne County. “The need for mental health care has grown, especially post-COVID,” Brown adds.

The effects of First Hospital’s closure reached far beyond just patient care. Families struggled to support their loved ones who had to seek treatment far away, and many local jobs disappeared. “This crisis impacts everyone—families, employers, and the entire community,” notes Robert Gowin-Collins, the facility’s director of development.

Wyoming Valley Behavioral Health is also focused on educating the community about mental health. “We want to change the conversation around mental health and promote understanding,” says Gowin-Collins. The organization uses social media to share resources and information, aiming to break down barriers and stigma associated with seeking help.

Involving families in care is crucial. The facility works to integrate family support in treatment approaches, fostering an environment where everyone is educated about the issues at hand. “We want families to be part of the healing process,” Gowin-Collins adds. The center’s accessible location, right on a bus line, makes family visits easier, which is something that was missing when First Hospital closed.

Wyoming Valley Behavioral Health welcomes patients from various insurance backgrounds and is not limited to local residents. They often receive referrals from outside Pennsylvania as well. With a reliance on Medicaid for much of their funding, the facility is vigilant about potential cuts to mental health programs. “These funds are vital for supporting mental health care,” Gowin-Collins emphasizes.

Since opening in November 2023, the facility has already served around 1,000 patients, showcasing the critical need for such services in the area. “Our growth has been intentional; we’re dedicated to providing the best treatment and services,” says Gowin-Collins. One achievement has been the implementation of a direct admissions service that allows patients to bypass the emergency room, making access to care more straightforward.

Staff retention is also a priority for Brown, who has already promoted about 30 employees since the facility opened. She aims to create a supportive work environment by offering competitive pay and benefits, recognizing the challenges of working in mental health. “We want to be an employer of choice in this field,” she says, envisioning future expansion that might include care for adolescents.

Despite only providing adult psychiatric care right now, there’s an ongoing effort to meet the growing mental health needs of the community effectively. “The demand is only increasing, and we are here to make a difference,” Brown asserts.

Source link