As another step in the continuing privatization of mental health services in North Carolina, an operator is being sought to run nine county outpatient clinics for Sandhills Center for Mental Health.

One of the clinics is at 116 S. Lawrence St. in Rockingham.

“I want to reassure our consumers and families that none of the services currently available at our outpatient clinics will go away,” said Michael Watson, chief executive officer of Sandhills Center.

Clinics provide psychiatric, walk-in/crisis and outpatient services to consumers across the eight-county Sandhills area.

“We are taking this step to comply with the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services and Legislative guidelines for the operation of Local Management Entities of which Sandhills Center is one,” Watson said.

A selection process is under way to determine the operator. The transition is expected to be complete by July 1.

“We are looking for a qualified provider to continue delivering all existing services in the same buildings and with as many of the same staff as possible,” he said. New services may be added, but Watson said none will be reduced as a result of the change.

The provider will need organizational and clinical skills to assume responsibly for the services.

“As far as the public and those who use the services of Sandhills Center are concerned,” Watson said, “it is our hope this transition will be as seamless as possible.”

Funding for the services will be managed by Sandhills Center, and the center will monitor the provider’s operations to insure quality services are delivered in compliance with all state and federal requirements.

Sandhills Center is a Local Management Entity of the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.

It is charged with the funding, management and monitoring of all public mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse services in eight counties of Richmond, Anson, Harnett, Hoke, Lee, Montgomery, Moore and Randolph. There are two clinics in Randolph County.

More than a half million people live within the service area.

Members of the Sandhills Center Board of Director from Richmond County are Commissioner Thad Ussery, Glenn Alexander and Darrell Crouch.

n Contact reporter Tom MacCallum at 997-3111, ext. 15; e-mail tmaccallum@yourdailyjournal.com.