In announcing the accreditation, Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities (DMHDD) Commissioner Elisabeth Rukeyser said, "This accreditation is of particular importance to the department because there are no recommendations pending."

This means MMHI is in full compliance in all categories JCAHO surveys for accreditation purposes. This includes such items as clinical assessments (medical histories and physical exams), treatment and medication, patient rights, staffing, leadership, patient education, infection control, and safety and environmental issues. "We are extremely pleased to provide this quality of care for service recipients in Shelby County and the rest of the state," she added.

New MMHI Chief Officer Michael Coppol says his philosophy of achieving quality care is through his staff. "You have to focus on meeting and then exceeding staff needs," Coppol said. "The outcome of your efforts will be reflected in the compassionate, professional care given to those we serve." Additionally, Coppol plans to focus on staff retention as a way to decrease the need for on-going recruitment.

The 132-bed facility, located at 865 Poplar Avenue, has served the community since 1962. MMHI accepts psychiatric involuntary and voluntary commitment referrals from area hospitals, regardless of the service recipient's ability to pay.

All five mental health institutes operated by the DMHDD are fully accredited and have been since 1978.