Federal government grants Liberty Resources two new designations

DeWITT — The federal government has granted DeWitt–based Liberty Resources two new designations.

They include the designation as a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike (FQHC-LAL) from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The second one is Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Demonstration (CCBHC-D) from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). 

The award of both FQHC and CCBHC designations is “particularly noteworthy as there are only 62 organizations in the country to receive [the] dual-designation,” per a Liberty Resources news release.

Both recognitions “signify the agency’s commitment” to delivering mental health, substance use, and primary-care services in an integrated model that coordinates care to “enhance quality and efficiency.” 

These services are available to everyone who needs them regardless of ability to pay at two of the agency’s integrated health clinics — its Syracuse location at 1045 James St. and its Fulton site at 14 Crossroads Drive. 

“This milestone is a testament to our unwavering commitment to equitable healthcare access,” Carl Coyle, CEO of Liberty Resources, said in the release. “Providing our community with Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic services at Federally Qualified Health Center ensures that all Central New Yorkers, regardless of their circumstances, receive the quality and compassionate care they deserve. That is our vision for wholehearted health.”

The nonprofit Liberty Resources provides services to nearly 18,000 individuals and families throughout New York, New Jersey, and Texas. The agency’s integrated health-care services include primary care, pediatrics, mental health, substance use, care management, and other community-based services. 

In addition, Liberty Resources provides child and family services and developmental disability services. The agency also operates Liberty POST, a provider of early intervention and therapy services. 

About the designations

The FQHC-LAL status is awarded to community-based providers that offer health-care services to underserved populations while meeting rigorous quality standards, Liberty Resources said. 

It also provides designated organizations with opportunities to develop additional services that meet the evolving needs of their communities. FQHC-LAL organizations are “vital healthcare hubs,” ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, has access to medical attention and support.

A CCBHC-D is a specially designated clinic that provides an array of behavioral health-care services. They include providing mental health, outpatient substance use, crisis intervention, and care coordination in one location to anyone who walks through its doors. 

One of the most important features of the CCBHC model is that services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Under the demonstration program, Liberty Resources has received funding to support the expansion of these services, which it already provides to the community, per its release.