Provider utilizes its $150,000 grant from The Cigna Group Foundation to address youth mental health challenges
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WATERBURY, Conn. – November 22, 2024– The McCall Behavioral Health Network celebrated the opening of a Primary Care office and expansion of the Child & Adolescent Outpatient Services program today, located at 969 W. Main Street, Units 2D and 2G, in Waterbury. The programs are focused on providing whole-person care and addressing physical, behavioral, and mental health concerns for people of all ages in the Greater Waterbury area.
McCall’s Child & Adolescent Outpatient Services expansion was made possible through a $150,000 grant from The Cigna Group Foundation, to address the ongoing youth mental health crisis. According to The Cigna Group’s Evernorth Research Institute, the number of young people with mental health conditions has increased by 28% since 2018, with a 48% rise in young people experiencing multiple diagnoses. This grant enables McCall to provide specialized care for children and adolescents (ages 8-18) facing challenges such as stress, anxiety, depression, vaping, and substance use, and will offer young people and their families the tools needed for recovery and well-being.
Melissa Skottegaard, board chair of The Cigna Group Foundation, expressed her support for McCall’s Child & Adolescent Services expansion: “Communities are just beginning to address the impact of the youth mental health crisis post-pandemic. We are proud to partner with the McCall Behavioral Health Network to enhance their child and adolescent program and provide crucial support to young people in need.”
“We’re thrilled to offer both services to the Waterbury community. Our goal is to provide evidence-based, accessible care to all, and we’re incredibly grateful to The Cigna Group Foundation for their generosity and support in our efforts to address the youth mental health crisis,” said Maria Coutant Skinner, LCSW, President and CEO of McCall. “With these two programs, we can better support the health and wellness of individuals and families in western Connecticut.”
In addition to the Child & Adolescent Outpatient Services expansion, McCall’s Primary Care office provides a full range of medical services for children, adults, and seniors in Waterbury’s diverse community. This integrated, holistic approach ensures residents have easy access to essential health resources necessary for their overall well-being.
Dr. Natalie March, MD, McCall’s Medical Director, emphasized the importance of integrating primary and behavioral health services: “We encounter many individuals who struggle with their health due to a lack of access to primary care. By opening this new office, we fill that gap, offering a holistic approach that improves overall health outcomes.”
The facility also features the Genoa Pharmacy and McCall’s Renato Outpatient Services to further streamline the healthcare experience.
“Our integrated care approach allows clients to address physical health, mental health, and substance use in a stigma-free environment, which can profoundly impact their healing and quality of life,” said McCall’s Chief Clinical Officer, Joy Pendola, LMFT LADC. “Treating everything all at once can make such a difference in the trajectory of a person’s life.”
The Primary Care office will operate Monday through Thursday, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Child & Adolescent Outpatient Services will operate 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday. McCall accepts Husky and most private insurance plans and offers a discounted or sliding fee schedule based on family size and income, ensuring accessibility for all.
For more information, please contact McCall’s main office at 860.496.2100 or visit mccallbhn.org/primary-care or mccallbhn.org/adolescent-services.
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ABOUT THE MCCALL BEHAVIORAL HEALTH NETWORK
Serving families and individuals of all ages across western Connecticut for 50+ years, McCall Behavioral Health Network is operating proof of the power of connection. We’re a diverse network of experienced, specialized, and highly trained behavioral healthcare professionals. Equally important, we’re passionate and compassionate people who are committed to helping individuals, families and communities access resources, overcome adversity, build resilience, and achieve wellness. A network that heals. A community who cares. That’s McCall Behavioral Health Network. www.mccallbhn.org
ABOUT THE CIGNA GROUP
The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI) is a global health company committed to creating a better future built on the vitality of every individual and every community. We relentlessly challenge ourselves to partner and innovate solutions for better health. The Cigna Group includes products and services marketed under Cigna Healthcare, Evernorth Health Services or its subsidiaries. The Cigna Group maintains sales capabilities in more than 30 countries and jurisdictions and has more than 186 million customer relationships around the world. Learn more at thecignagroup.com.
ABOUT THE CIGNA GROUP FOUNDATION
The Cigna Group Foundation is a private foundation funded by contributions from The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI) and its subsidiaries. The Cigna Group Foundation aims to support, collaborate, and convene with nonprofit organizations addressing society’s greatest health challenges. In addition to increasing access to programs and care in geographies demonstrating significant need, the Foundation responds with humanitarian aid relief during critical times and strengthens colleagues’ support of causes through matching donations and volunteer rewards. To learn more, visit www.thecignagroup.com/community.
Contact:
Marisa Mittelstaedt
Director of Development & Marketing
Mobile: 860.202.4916