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The Portage Health Foundation has taken over one of the region’s leading providers of mental health care.
PHF’s acquisition of Dial Help became official Saturday, after it was approved by both organizations’ boards of directors, and by the Michigan Attorney General’s office.
In a joint statement released yesterday, PHF Executive Director Kevin Store and Dial Help Executive Director Rebecca Crane said that the new arrangement will provide Dial Help with additional resources to fill gaps in mental and behavioral health services in the region.
Dial Help had recently boosted its mental behavior health department by adding two employees.
All Dial Help staff, offices and services, including the Crisis Line, will continue to operate as they have.
Dial Help began in 1971 as an all-volunteer crisis line for those struggling with addiction. It has expanded to offer a wide variety of services, including suicide prevention outreach, substance abuse programs for youth, and support for those affected by sexual assault and other types of crime.
The Portage Health Foundation manages the endowment created by proceeds from the sale of the former Portage Health Hospital to LifePoint Hospitals 10 years ago, along with continuing revenues from a minority ownership in what became UP Health System-Portage. It’s mandate is to promote health and wellness programs in Houghton, Keweenaw, Baraga and Ontonagon Counties.
