For Immediate Release

Contact:

Bobby Maldonado

248-858-6662

Bobby.Maldonado@stjoeshealth.org

May 29, 2018

Funds earmarked for transformation of inpatient Behavioral Health Services unit

CHELSEA, Mich. (May 29, 2018) – St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea hosted its 33rd Annual Auction Denim and Diamonds 2018 on May 12 at Zingerman's Cornman Farms in Dexter. More than 350 people purchased tickets to the sold-out event, which raised more than $716,000 to benefit the transformation of the hospital's inpatient Behavioral Health Services unit, far surpassing its goal of $500,000.

"Our annual auction event continues to grow and each year generous individual donors, businesses, and medical staff members engage as a community to support us so that we can meet the needs of those we serve," said Nancy Graebner, president and CEO of St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea. "As a community we are committed to raising awareness of mental health with the goal of reducing the societal stigma that exists for those seeking treatment. We are working together as a community to bring hope and healing to those in need of care."

This year's event featured the first-ever auction challenge sponsor. Dudley Holmes, a new member of the Denim and Diamonds auction committee, put forth a challenge to match up to $100,000 for the first $100,000 raised in sponsorships. That goal was reached in January, 2018.

The transformation of the Behavioral Health Services unit involves renovations that include a modern design and more efficient use of space, while also adding to the comfort and care of patients. Patients will have improved access to music therapy, fitness equipment, outdoor space and group classes, all which help to heal mind, body and spirit.

"The outpouring of support displayed at this year's auction was truly remarkable," said Priscilla Flintoft, Denim and Diamonds event co-chair. "We live in a community full of wonderful, caring friends and neighbors. Funds raised this year will have a very real and meaningful impact on so many patients and so many families."

St. Joe’s Chelsea has provided comprehensive Behavioral Health Services to the community for more than 40 years and has a 30bed inpatient unit. Its medical staff and multi-disciplinary team of social workers, therapists, psychologists and nurses skillfully treat and help patients manage diagnoses including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, addiction and thought disorders such as schizophrenia.

To meet the community’s needs for specialized behavioral health services, St. Joe’s Chelsea also offers a full spectrum of outpatient care with clinics in both Chelsea and Dexter. St. Joe's Chelsea is distinguished for being the only hospital in Michigan with both a secured unit and an open voluntary admission unit in its inpatient Behavioral Health Services wing.

About Saint Joseph Mercy Health System

Saint Joseph Mercy Health System (SJMHS) is a health care organization serving seven counties in southeast Michigan including Livingston, Washtenaw, Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Jackson, and Lenawee. It includes 537-bed St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor, 443-bed St. Joseph Mercy Oakland in Pontiac, 304-bed St. Mary Mercy Livonia, 136-bed St. Joseph Mercy Livingston in Howell, and 133-bed St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea. Combined, the five hospitals are licensed for 1,553 beds, have five outpatient health centers, six urgent care facilities, more than 25 specialty centers; employ more than 15,300 individuals and have a medical staff of nearly 2,700 physicians. SJMHS has annual operating revenues of about $2 billion and returns about $120 million to its communities annually through charity care and community benefit programs.

SJMHS is a member of Trinity Health, a leading Catholic health care system based in Livonia, Mich. Trinity Health operates in 22 states, employs about 131,000 colleagues, has annual operating revenues of $17.6 billion and assets of about $24.6 billion. Additionally, the organization returns almost $1 billion to its communities annually in the form of charity care and other community benefit programs.

For more information on health services offered at Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, please visit www.stjoeshealth.org.

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