GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KJCT) – Mind Springs services will now be operated by Health Solutions, a Pueblo-based behavioral health care provider.
“We are a small community and rural healthcare provider, and when the opportunity with Mind Springs came available, we were really excited about that,” said Jason Chippeaux, President and CEO of Health Solutions.
Health Solutions has provided healthcare in southern and rural Colorado for nearly 63 years, with locations in Pueblo, Huerfano, and Las Animas Counties. Moving to Western Colorado comes with a new name, Health Solutions West.
“We are very excited about some of the opportunities that we have in the future for growth and working with the community to address community needs, making sure that we get the right services in the right communities at the right place at the right time,” said Chippeaux.
According to Chippeaux, Health Solutions is taking over the entire corporate structure of Mind Springs. They want to focus on stabilizing the organization while maintaining services for current patients and a strong staff.
“We have no anticipated shutdown or dramatic reduction of services, and we intend to keep the workforce that’s currently employed,” said Chippeaux.
Health Solutions will assume responsibility for 10 counties across Western Colorado, all previously managed by Mind Springs. As Health Solutions has operated in three counties before this announcement, there is a lot to consider with the Western Slope.
“What those communities need may not be what Mesa County needs may not be what Garfield or Pitkin County needs, so really being involved in those cultures,” said Heather Hankins, Chief Operating & Clinical Officer for Health Solutions. “We’re good at adjusting and adapting to the needs of the specific community.”
Chippeaux addresses community concerns following Mind Springs’s closure in March.
“What we would want folks to help us focus on is not what has been but what could and will be with this organization,” said Chippeaux. “The future is much brighter and much more promising than maybe some of the ground that’s been covered here recently.”
The transition is immediate. However, there are aspects of the rebrand that will happen in the background as services continue. Outpatient services will operate as normal. As for the West Springs Hospital, Chippeaux said Health Solutions will work with stakeholders to sort out the best course of action for that location.
Those at Health Solutions will continue to learn ways to improve and provide services in the best way for residents of the Western Slope.
“Preserving the safety net behavioral health system in these counties, I think is critical, and it’s critical that we don’t just preserve it, it’s critical that it continues to grow in a responsive way to the needs that the communities are experiencing,” said Chippeaux. “The best days of this organization are in front of it.”
“Hope-health-together, are the future of Health Solutions West,” said Hankins. “Look forward to the days ahead.”
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