Manatee Glens in Bradenton finalizes affiliation with Centerstone, changes name
MANATEE -- Manatee Glens is now under the wing of one of the nation's largest nonprofit behavioral health care organizations, officials announced Wednesday.
Centerstone, which operates in Florida, Tennessee, Illinois and Indiana, finalized the affiliation after announcing its intent in October.
Manatee Glens will change its name to Centerstone of Florida and all Centerstone services will now be available in Manatee County.
"This is an exciting day for Manatee Glens, our staff, patients and communities," said Mary Ruiz, former CEO of Manatee Glens and now CEO of Centerstone of Florida. "As part of Centerstone, we will be well-positioned to continue providing the highest levels of care and support to our community while also contributing to efforts to advance the field of behavioral health care."
Centerstone, a 60-year-old organization, provides mental health services, substance abuse treatment and intellectual development disability services.
Manatee Glens provides mental health, addiction treatment and child abuse and adoption support services.
Ruiz will also take on a national role for Centerstone as chief strategy officer. She has said most Manatee Glens clients won't notice a change other than the name at first, and clients should
notice enhanced services complemented by Centerstone's expertise over time.
"This gives us national resources," Ruiz said. "Now, we can apply for more grants and use their research to keep up with improvements in care."
Grant writers with the national organization will bring the newly named Centerstone of Florida more funding opportunities, Ruiz said, which will mean more services to those who need it in Manatee County.
Centerstone also offers services to military men and women and the National Football League. Ruiz said their services won't change, but NFL players and military men and women will be able to request services available with the national organization at the Manatee location.
"That way, they can stay local," Ruiz said.
Ruiz said the Centerstone business model means new organizations join as a whole. So she doesn't expect any layoffs or loss of programs.
CEO David Guth Jr. said in a statement they are "delighted" to welcome Manatee Glens to the Centerstone family.
"Our organizations have a great deal in common including a dedication to providing quality behavioral health care at the community level as well as advancing best practices in mental health and addictions treatment," Guth said. "Together, we have great opportunities to grow in the evolving health care landscape and transform the lives of more people in Florida and across the nation."
Centerstone serves more than 142,000 people at nearly 150 locations in four states.
Kate Irby, Herald online/political reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7055 or at kirby@bradenton.com. You can follow her on Twitter @KateIrby.
This story was originally published July 2, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Manatee Glens in Bradenton finalizes affiliation with Centerstone, changes name ."