Palo Alto County Health System
- Program Representative Interviewed: Jared Ball, Director of Behavioral Health Services
- Location: Palo Alto County, Iowa
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Program Overview: Palo Alto County Health
System (PACHS) is a not-for-profit health system established to integrate hospital services
and healthcare providers in Palo Alto County, Iowa. PACHS offers a full continuum of primary
healthcare as well as behavioral health services including online screenings and treatment for
substance use disorders (SUD).
SUD treatment services at PACHS can be initiated through calling the facility or online. PACHS behavioral health providers are trained to use validated screening tools to assess the risk of SUD. The PACHS website also includes a self-referral form for individuals seeking SUD support services.
PACHS behavioral health providers can prescribe medication or connect patients to other SUD services. The counselors determine whether the patient would benefit from the program's outpatient care. Providers also connect patients with inpatient services through other programs, if needed. By providing comprehensive services, the Palo Alto County Hospital uses a "whole patient" approach to care.