ECMC to expand outpatient behavioral health programs

Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) Corporation recently announced that it will receive funding from three local foundations for the expansion of two outpatient behavioral health initiatives: development of an intensive outpatient program (IOP) and the expansion of help center services through increased hours.

The Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation, Patrick P. Lee Foundation, and The John R. Oishei Foundation will award $258,118 each for a total of $774,354 over a five-year period toward these behavioral health programs.

“We are very grateful to these three amazing philanthropic organizations for their support and their confidence in ECMC’s expert behavioral health caregivers,” said Thomas J. Quatroche Jr., Ph.D., ECMC president and CEO. “As our region’s leader in comprehensive behavioral health services, we are committed to developing and implementing programs like IOP and further expanding existing services like the Help Center that will provide critically important care for the residents of Western New York and save lives.”

Esther Annan, program officer for The John R. Oishei Foundation, said: “Now more than ever, behavioral health services are a critical part of our community’s wellbeing. We believe that ECMC’s expanded services will provide care that is needed in WNY and we are pleased to join our fellow funders to support these outpatient initiatives.”

Tracy Sawicki, executive director, The Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation, said: “The Tower Foundation knows how important ECMC is to Western New York’s mental health landscape. We’re glad to work with the Lee and Oishei Foundations to help ECMC grow its ability to serve the community and fill gaps in mental health services.”

Jane Mogavero, executive director, Patrick P. Lee Foundation, said, “One of the Lee Foundation’s top priorities is to ensure people living with mental illnesses have access to high-quality medical treatment and support services that enhance their quality of life. ECMC shares this goal and has been a valued partner in our work. With the extended hours at the behavioral health help center and the development of an intensive outpatient program, there will be additional opportunities and entry points for community members to access the appropriate level of care they need. We are grateful to the team at ECMC for their leadership and continued commitment to expanding the mental health services in Western New York.”