Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center has achieved the highest level of accreditation, winning praise from Governor Eddie Baza Calvo..
The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities performed an accreditation survey from June 21- 23. On July 25, GBHWC was informed that it had received the three year CARF accreditation, which is the maximum number of years that can be earned. The accreditation expires June 30, 2020.
“Congratulations to the hard working men and women of Behavioral Health on this achievement. This is the first attempt at accreditation and not only was it achieved, it was achieved with flying colors and you earned the highest accreditation possible,” Governor Calvo said.
Lt. Governor Ray Tenorio called the accreditation a win for the people of Guam.
“The work that Guam Behavioral Health does, such as crisis intervention and stabilization, is critical to the well being of our community. This accreditation is an acknowledgement that they follow the highest standards in helping the people of Guam,” Lt. Governor Tenorio said.
Accreditation is official recognition that GBHWC is guided by internationally recognized service standards and best practices.
This accreditation decision shows the organization’s substantial conformance to the CARF standards. An organization receiving a three year accreditation has put itself through a rigorous peer review process, and has demonstrated to a team of surveyors during an on-site visit, that its programs and services are of the highest quality, measurable, and accountable.
Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center is the sole state entity providing comprehensive mental health services, alcohol and drug programs and services to the people of Guam. It was created in 1983 with the passage of Public Law 17-21 as the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, now known as the Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center. The Center currently provides services to a total of 2,266 consumers.