As the nation grappled with an increased need for mental health services and rising numbers of overdose deaths, Rosecrance responded by serving more than 50,000 individuals for the first time in organization history.
Rosecrance assisted more than 54,000 people during the 2022 fiscal year—a 22 percent jump in three years.
“It is an incredible accomplishment to touch that many lives, yet it shows how many more individuals are searching for the hope of recovery,” said Rosecrance President and CEO Dave Gomel, Ph.D. “We’re just one of many providers seeing more clients than ever before because the need is so great.”
Demand for services has grown dramatically in recent years. According to an American Psychological Association survey, 43 percent of psychologists reported serving more clients, while nearly two-thirds received more referrals from other sources than before. In line with national mental health trends, anxiety and depression inquiries saw the most growth.
Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported more than 100,000 deaths from drug overdoses in 2021, a number largely driven by opioids. More than 3,000 Illinoisans died from overdoses last year—a 36 percent jump from 2019.
Rosecrance met the need through a strategic approach that enhanced a robust continuum of care. Leadership worked with legislators in Illinois and Iowa to secure higher reimbursement rates for services and funding for new longer-term adolescent mental health programs. Rosecrance also strengthened its presence in communities by opening several new outpatient clinics and by broadening programs through Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic grants. These additions lowered barriers to care throughout the Midwest.
In addition, efforts to attract and retain highly qualified yielded positive results. A commitment to pay increases and staff reinvestment coupled with diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives bolstered already high employee satisfaction and a turnover rate well below the national average.
“We’re doing everything we can to be there for those in our communities who need it most,” Dr. Gomel said. “By prioritizing these important pieces, we have greatly strengthened our ability to be a place of help and hope; however, there is more work to be done. Rosecrance and providers like us will continue to do all we can to ensure that all who need quality care can receive it.”