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Burrell Behavioral Health is in the due-diligence phase of a merger with Independence-based Comprehensive Mental Health Services.
SBJ file
Burrell Behavioral Health is in the due-diligence phase of a merger with Independence-based Comprehensive Mental Health Services.

Burrell in merger talks

Posted online

Burrell Behavioral Health is in talks to merge with an Independence-based company.

The Springfield-based mental and behavioral health provider signed a letter of intent to explore a merger with Comprehensive Mental Health Services Inc., according to a news release.

The organizations are in a due-diligence period that is expected to last between 30 and 90 days. Upon its completion, the corporate structure and any resulting partnership details will be disclosed, according to the release.

Burrell would be the controlling partner in the merger, said company spokesperson Matt Lemmon. He said CMHS likely will adopt the Burrell name if the deal is approved, but no timeline for that change has been set.

“A partnership between Burrell and Comprehensive will not only provide more resources to the clients we serve but attract and retain top-level behavioral health providers – the social workers, counselors, techs, therapists, psychiatrists and more – who are the lifeblood of our mission,” Burrell President and CEO C.J. Davis said in the release. “Together we can serve more people and save more lives.”

Founded in 1969, CMHS is a nonprofit community health center that offers behavioral health services to children, families and adults in eastern Jackson County, according to its website. Additionally, it provides residential and substance use services throughout eastern Jackson County and Kansas City.

Burrell reported $151 million in revenue in 2020, as well as 47% revenue growth between 2018 and 2020 for Springfield Business Journal's 2021 Dynamic Dozen awards in May. CMHS revenue last year was roughly $16.6 million, according to its 2020 annual report.

“Joining forces with an organization with the size and experience of Burrell will allow us to reach the next level in terms of scope of services, workforce development and the ability to provide timely care, wherever and whenever people need it,” CMHS President and CEO Julie Pratt said in the release. “I am excited for what this could mean for Jackson County residents who so desperately need access to behavioral health care.”

Burrell was established in 1977 and serves more than 40,000 clients annually across 25 counties in Missouri and Arkansas and is the second-largest behavioral health organization in the Show-Me State, according to the release.

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Considering that the current illegitimate regime in Washington is clearly planning on using “health” as a weapon, which is why they named a Communist lawyer as HHS director in Becarra. Last week the communist CDC director floated the idea that “guns were a health emergency”. We have spent two years watching what these communists do with a “health emergency”. Guns have never hurt anyone in their history! Its HOW a HUMAN uses them. The last thing we need are bigger health monopolies!

Monday, October 11, 2021
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