MEDIA RELEASE
(for immediate release)
September 7, 2022
CFNCW Awards OBHC $10k Grant for Telehealth
OMAK, WA --- Okanogan Behavioral HealthCare (OBHC) has been awarded $10,000 by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington (CFNCW) to assist in developing two “Zoom Rooms” that provide enhanced telehealth experiences for OBHC behavioral health clients and providers.
“Covid-19 advanced acceptance of telehealth as a viable means of providing behavioral health services,” explained OBHC’s Chief Clinical Officer Quinn Lontz. “By developing rooms specifically designed to provide human-scale telehealth counseling experiences, we are not only improving the quality of those experiences, we are expanding availability to those unable to access in-person services, and helping meet the growing demand for behavioral health care.”
The rooms are specially equipped to overcome conditions that can limit telehealth efficacy. In addition to comfortable furnishings and calm, soothing lighting that minimizes shadows, the rooms are outfitted with large high-definition monitors, high resolution cameras, and good quality audio to more closely mimic the conditions of in-person interactions. Such enhancements, controlled by a simple table interface, make it easier for the therapist to detect important non-verbal cues such as body language, micro-expressions, words, hesitations, tone and emphasis that communicate important information.
“We are very grateful to CFNCW and their donors for helping fund this project,” said OBHC’s Chief Executive Officer David McClay, “and especially appreciate their support for behavioral health care in our community.”
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About the Community Foundation of North Central Washington
The Community Foundation of North Central Washington (CFNCW) is a philanthropic organization whose mission is “To grow, protect, and connect charitable gifts in support of strong communities.” The organization and its donors help raise awareness of and support for a wide variety of charitable causes in Chelan, Douglas and Okanogan Counties. Their various programs, fundraisers, and grants support scholarships, arts and culture, wildlife, and a variety of community programs and needs. Learn more at www.cfncw.org.
About Okanogan Behavioral HealthCare
Okanogan Behavioral HealthCare (OBHC) provides holistic behavioral health services that promote wellness and sustain recovery. A nonprofit organization, it is the largest and most comprehensive provider of behavioral health services in Okanogan County. Their professional, caring and compassionate staff members provide culturally relevant, 24/7 crisis response; mental and behavioral health counseling; substance/opioid use disorders prevention, treatment and recovery support; therapeutic court services; and information about/referral to developmental disability programs for community members. They accept Medicaid, Medicare, insurance and private pay. No one is ever turned away due to an inability to pay. Learn more at www.okbhc.org. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/okbhc or on Instagram at www.instagram.com/okanogan_behavioral_healthcare.
