The UnityPoint Health – Berryhill Center is poised to become part of a federal demonstration project intended to improve programming and outcomes for Iowans needing mental health care.

UnityPoint Health announced Wednesday that the Fort Dodge facility is among 11 in Iowa deemed eligible to become state Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics as part of an application to become a Medicaid demonstration program.

Federal approval would increase funding and streamline services available across the state.

“This allows us to enhance our programming and have more community partnerships,” said Jennifer Pullen, executive director of the Berryhill Center. “This allows us to be more collaborative.”

She said the initiative “really helps to support more standardized quality programming that is more consistent across the state for Iowans needing behavioral health care.”

The Berryhill Center already has Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic status through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

“UnityPoint Health continues to work proactively to improve the health of individuals suffering from complex physical and mental illnesses,” Aaron McHone, behavioral health service line operations director for UnityPoint Health, said in a written statement.

“We are thrilled to partner with the state of Iowa and Medicaid in creating a more sustainable behavioral health care system statewide,” he added.