Meridian Behavioral Health has announced James Smith as its new chief operating officer. Smith was formerly the head of Allina Health’s inpatient and residential mental health and chemical dependency services for many of its hospitals, as well as holding system-wide operational responsibility for emergency room crisis assessments, tele-health and the entire clinic service line.
“Jim comes to Meridian with an impressive track record of guiding strategic growth in behavioral health programs,” Meridian President and CEO Fran Sauvageau said. “He’s the right person coming at the perfect time for Meridian and its stakeholders.”
Meridian is the largest for-profit behavioral healthcare company in Minnesota, offering a range of substance abuse and addiction treatment services, including medication-assisted treatment. At a time when the region suffers from a shortage of behavioral health services, Meridian continues to add facilities and programs. In January, Meridian acquired Douglas Place in East Grand Forks, an 85-bed residential addiction facility for adults, young adults and Native Americans.
More information appears in this week's Messenger.