March 3, 2021 – In an effort to support youth and families by offering timely and accessible services, Heritage Behavioral Health Center launched an Integrated Referral Intake System (IRIS) in Macon and DeWitt counties on March 1, 2021. More than 30 organizations are collaborating and have agreed to be part of IRIS to coordinate referrals.
IRIS is a web-based communication tool to help organizations connect the families they serve with the right resources in their community. IRIS will help local organizations empower the community to build a family-centered referral network supported by common expectations. IRIS links service agencies and organizations within a community to each other streamlines standard processes like intakes & referrals and makes it easy for agencies to track all referral activity, such as seeing if their partners accepted or denied a referral. And for families, it simplifies the process of connecting them to the right services that will meet their needs. This is all done with consent from the individual requesting the referral.
IRIS will be especially helpful in coordinating referrals to needed services during the COVID-19 pandemic. It will help organizations continue to reach vulnerable populations with essential information and assistance.
This opportunity was brought together by Community Together, a group of guardians and partner organizations in Macon and DeWitt counties who are working to support the overall mental health wellness for youth and families. This project is led by Jessica Smiley, Project Director at Heritage Behavioral Health Center.
James Keith, Director of Community Impact at United Way of Decatur & Mid-Illinois, has served as Co-Champion of the Project. Organizations interested in learning more about IRIS or participating in this initiative are invited to reach out to Jessica at JSmiley@heritagenet.org.
