In Missouri, two nonprofits merge

Two of Missouri’s not-for-profit providers are merging: Alternative Opportunities and Preferred Family Healthcare. Together, they will cover a five state area: Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma.

Services offered by Alternative Opportunities include treatment for mental health and substance abuse as well as support for developmental disabilities, foster care and employment services. Preferred Family Healthcare  offers comprehensive behavioral health services, including judicial support services, and operates a Federally Qualified Health Center in Hannibal, Mo., where primary and dental care are provided.

The newly combined organization will operate as Preferred Family Healthcare and will be led by a senior executive resource team and governed by a board of directors. According to an announcement, the merger enables focused efforts toward a comprehensive system of care that covers a wide range of populations and incorporates behavioral health, primary care and critical resources, such as supported living and employment services.