INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WOWO): Governor Mike Pence today unveiled the state’s plans to build a new state-of-the-art neuro-diagnostic institute that will provide major advancements to Indiana’s public mental health delivery system. The institute, scheduled to begin serving patients in 2018, will be a key component of the state’s initiative to improve Indiana’s network of state-operated mental health facilities.
“This new institute will serve as the centerpiece of our ongoing commitment to improve mental health care and address the scourge of addictions in Indiana,” said Governor Pence. “This new institute is another part of our strong commitment to improving health care in Indiana and to caring for our most vulnerable fellow citizens, including those living in poverty, with disabilities and impaired from psychiatric illnesses, brain diseases and addictions.”
This new 159-bed institute is projected to have the capacity to treat 1,500 patients each year. With the establishment of the new institute, which will be located on the campus of Community East Hospital in Indianapolis and operated in partnership with Community Health Network, Indiana will be better equipped to deliver expert neuro-diagnostic evaluations and treatment for patients upon their arrival and move them more efficiently and effectively into the most appropriate treatment settings within the state’s mental health system.
“’Neuro’ is a word that pertains to the brain,” said Dr. John Wernert, Secretary of the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA). “’Diagnostic’ reflects the techniques used in diagnosing illnesses.”
Dr. Wernert explained that the focus of this new institute would be on the precise diagnosis and assertive treatment of brain-based disorders, including acute and chronic mental illness, addictions, and neuro-degenerative illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr. Wernert said precise and comprehensive diagnosis drives more effective treatment and better outcomes for patients. He added the term “neuro-diagnostic” also encompasses the integration of medical care, which will be made possible by locating the institute at Community East Hospital.
