Six County Inc./MVHC Work Together

Muskingum Valley Health Centers and Six County Inc. are coming together to provide primary care to those living with mental illness.

Physician Assistant at Muskingum County Health Kristin Davis said primary care is something that those living with mental health issues often times don’t receive.

"It has been shown that people who are mentally ill will actually die at a much earlier age and some of that is because they are depressed," said Davis. "Some of it is that they don’t have the knowledge about some of the things that should be done for them medically and so we’re here to guide them and here to help them along that path. "

The primary care provider will visit Six County once a week to treat patients recommended by Six County staff.

Muskingum County Director of Six County Ken Boerner said that the new program is about treating the whole person. "Mental health and physical and medical health go hand in hand," said Boerner. "We need to be healthy mentally and physically as well. "

The collaboration began three weeks ago and both Muskingum Valley Health Centers and Six County Inc. are excited about the move forward.