Safe Harbor Behavioral Health (SHBH) has become affiliated with UPMC Hamot effective June 1.
This integration supports a vision shared by the boards of directors of Safe Harbor Behavioral Health and UPMC Hamot to develop and expand innovative behavioral health care and services for the Erie region for years to come.
“Joining UPMC, a world-class health system and an internationally recognized provider and researcher in the field of mental health, allows Safe Harbor to grow in its ability to offer superior services to our patients,” SHBH chief executive officer Jon Evans said. “UPMC Hamot will provide the needed resources and expertise in the areas of health care technology, information systems, and quality improvement to make Safe Harbor clinically stronger.”
As part of the affiliation, UPMC Hamot has a long-term commitment to SHBH. The merger also will:
Integrate SHBH into UPMC’s extensive behavioral health service continuum
Invest in new services and regional enhancements
Recruit and retain talented staff
Improve operational efficiencies
Ensure operating and financial stability
Enhance capital and advanced technology investments
“Through this new partnership, we can offer our patients even greater access to comprehensive services,” said Jim Fiorenzo, UPMC Hamot president. “We will explore opportunities for advancing patient care, which could include increased tele-psychiatric services and new models of behavioral health and primary care for the patients of our region.”
"The opportunity to collaborate with Western Psychiatric Institute will clearly build a solid foundation of innovative care in our community. Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic is recognized internationally as a leader in psychiatric care and we are fortunate to have the opportunity to partner with an organization of this caliber,” Evans said.
SHBH employees will continue to work at its main office, 1330 W. 26th Street, and at Crisis Services, 2560 W. 12th Street. SHBH employs about 250.
