Butler, Pa (August 24, 2023) -- The Ellen O’Brien Gaiser Center received a $24,370 capacity building grant from the Staunton Farm Foundation to fund the implementation of a new Electronic Medical Record (EMR) System.

The new system will streamline electronic processing of charts and billing while allowing the Center to serve 30% more clients, meeting current needs and positioning Gaiser for future growth.

“Staunton Farm has a beautiful mission to improve the lives of people who live with mental illness and/or substance use disorders and our missions are aligned,” said Executive Director Joseph Mahoney.

“This EMR will fit our needs well into the future as we work to assist more people with holistic, evidence-based treatments for addiction.”

Gaiser broadened the scope of its services over the past two years with the addition of virtual clinical sessions, a contract to provide education and clinical services to inmates at Butler County Prison and the creation of its Center of Excellence for Opioid Use Disorder Treatment. The Center also continues to increase community-based support for Medication Assisted Treatment services while introducing new educational outreach programs throughout Butler County and the nine surrounding counties Gaiser serves.

Designed to streamline admissions processes and facilitate the movement of clients between levels of care, the EMR system provides pivotal flexibility in care plans.

“We may have a client at our inpatient facility who needs to be transferred to our outpatient center. We may have a client leave treatment before they're done and decide a few months later to come back. Everyone’s recovery journey is just that − an individualized journey. This technology provided by Staunton Farm will support each individual’s unique path,” Mahoney said.

The new EMR will make transfers as simple as a click of a button while also providing more virtual options and convenience for clients and incorporating additional “checks” to prevent billing errors.

About the Staunton Farm Foundation

The Staunton Farm Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of people who live with mental illness and/or substance use disorders. The Foundation works to enhance behavioral health treatment, support, and recovery through grant making to nonprofit organizations in 10 southwestern Pennsylvania counties (Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington and Westmoreland).

About the Ellen O’Brien Gaiser Center

The Gaiser Center enjoys a reputation as western Pennsylvania’s longest running and most experienced treatment program for alcohol and substance use disorders. Named to honor the legacy of longstanding executive director Ellen O’Brien Gaiser, the Gaiser Center evolved from a men’s drop-in program to a comprehensive regional resource focused on long-term treatment options for both men and women. Recognized as a Pennsylvania Center of Excellence for opioid use disorder treatment, Gaiser builds on more than 50 years of service to the community. Our experienced and compassionate staff and modern facilities position us as a leader in addiction treatment delivering proven therapeutic innovations with unparalleled emotional and peer support for clients and their families.