Connecting Communities to Mental Health Care: 4 Questions with Jacob Passerman
Outreach means meeting people where they are – even at land’s end!
In the behavioral health field, the word “sales” can make people uncomfortable. It sounds transactional in a field built on compassion and trust. But the reality is this: If people do not know we exist, they cannot access the care that could change or save their lives. At Sanford Behavioral Health, we are unapologetic about sharing who we are and what we do. Community outreach is not about selling treatment. Instead, it’s about making sure individuals, families, referral partners, and communities know where to turn when help is needed. Meet our service-driven CO Director, Jacob Passerman, and his team members below.
1. SBH: As Director of Community Outreach, what is your highest priority?
First, I recently moved from admissions to community outreach, so I am very excited to get back on the road and out in the community again! The community outreach team’s highest priority is building connections and partnerships with organizations that share a similar vision. Over the past couple of years, we have made strong relationships with the type of organizations we would send our loved ones to. Internally, we created a process that brings together admissions, community outreach, and the clinical team to streamline the referral and admissions processes. For every referral we receive, we immediately reach out to the referral source to discuss the client’s existing care, discharge planning, and whether the individual will be returning to their care. In fact, we cross-train the entire admissions department to build relationships with our community partners. We want to collaborate and fill treatment gaps.
I want the community outreach team to do whatever is necessary to help individuals access appropriate, life-saving treatment. With help from our admissions team, we’re expanding the number of individuals who can safely guide people through our treatment doors.
2. SBH: How does the EZ Admissions process work?
The big bullet point is our contact-free admissions process. Rather than conducting an assessment, we can admit someone based on faxed information from case workers, social workers, nurses, medical assistants, therapy offices, emergency departments, the VA, first responders’ unions, EPAs, and more. These referral packets contain the existing medical records we use in place of an assessment. Of course, clients receive a full medical and psychosocial assessment upon arrival at Sanford. However, it is not necessary when recent medical records are present.
As an example, let’s say someone (over the age of 18) goes to the emergency department under the influence. The hospital will stabilize them and discuss treatment options outside the hospital. If the client agrees to treatment, the hospital can fax their medical records immediately rather than call. We build a chart, obtain medical approval, verify the client’s insurance, and schedule admission. Easy as that! This process not only makes it easier for hospital staff but also prevents clients from having to repeat their history, relive shame, and answer the same questions multiple times for multiple organizations. Our signature EZ Admissions process applies to any level of care and is available 24/7!
“Crises don’t always happen 9:00 to 5:00, so the fact that our admissions team answers the phones 24/7 is also efficient.” Jacob Passerman
Click HERE to apply for the Veterans & First Responders Outreach Liaison position!
3. SBH: What is the community outreach team like?
Our community outreach team is empathetic and service-driven. The team is comprised of individuals with diverse mental health backgrounds, lived experiences, and a passion for the work we do at Sanford Behavioral Health. They are also consummate professionals with expertise in eating disorders, trauma, addiction, and other mental health disorders. They speak the language of recovery and are trained in the entire admissions process, which means they can complete an admission without any hand-offs. Our outreach specialists have specific areas of expertise, but are cross-trained on the full continuum of Sanford’s service offerings. The team is not your typical “sales team.” We are building a reputation as partners and collaborators in the community; it’s a more modern approach to business development.
We are currently looking to expand our team by adding an outreach specialist for our Veterans and First Responders Program, JOHN (Just One Hero Needed). If you are a Veteran or first responder looking to give back to the community, we’d love to talk with you!
4. SBH: What do you do to unwind?
I have an awesome recovery home group that is extremely supportive. Giving back to the recovery community through service and leadership is important to me. I love connecting, communicating, and learning everything I can about people. But my favorite thing to do is put on my slippers, and I have a really nice, big fireplace. I’ll light a fire and put on a show, or scroll through LinkedIn (I feel like that’s better than TikTok). I like to cook too. Maybe go and shop for all the ingredients, and save some space for that.
Community Outreach Team Members
The friendly faces of CO team members Erin McDowell and Isabella Wolschleger
“My favorite part of my job is helping people navigate the behavioral health landscape and building a network of like-minded community partners. It’s super rewarding to work collaboratively to support more people and make meaningful connections. This role is also a great fit for anyone with behavioral health experience. The job is not fully direct client care but still offers moments that remind you why you chose this field in the first place.” Erin McDowell, MPH, LinkedIn Profile
“I enjoy community outreach because it enables me to maintain a clear understanding of our community’s needs and respond in ways that make a real difference. By improving access to behavioral health care and providing education about Sanford’s services, I help individuals connect with the support they need. Sanford’s motto, ‘See a need, meet a need,’ is one I hold close to my heart and reflects how I approach my work every day.” Isabella Wolschleger, MPH, LinkedIn Profile
If you or a loved one is struggling with a mental health condition, including addiction or an eating disorder, click the link below to speak with an admissions specialist today. Experience 24/7 EZ Admissions: talk to a real person, get a free assessment, and start treatment 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Walk-ins welcome.
