Catholic Family Services will open an outpatient mental health office in Jefferson County to provide counseling services to children and their families. In addition, the agency will have the ability to hold Love & Logic™ parenting classes as requested. The program will serve youth aged 6 and up, at low or no cost. The agency expects to see approximately 200-250 clients per year.

Mercy Hospital Jefferson (MHJ) will launch a Child and Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) over the next three years. The IOP model provides an intermediate level of psychiatric care between routine counseling and inpatient hospitalization. Access to mental health care will be greatly expanded for the youth of Jefferson County and surrounding areas. Family wellness will also be supported by Mercy’s services.

Jefferson County Health Department will provide dental services for adults using a mobile van and portable equipment. The project will have an emphasis on the elderly and those in assisted living centers. Almost 25% of adults aged 65-74 have periodontal disease, which is associated with chronic health issues, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and respiratory disease. More than 30% of older adults have untreated cavities – an average of 9.24 decayed or missing teeth, and 43 decayed or missing surfaces. Poor oral health can lead to infections and life threatening diseases. In fact, more than 7,800 people die from oral and pharyngeal cancers each year.