Media Contact: Dawn Stranne 415/893-1780

Buckelew Programs and Family Service Agency of Marin To Merge

(Feb 9, 2012 — SAN RAFAEL) The merger of Buckelew Programs with Family Service Agency of Marin (FSA) will become effective March 1, 2012, subject to state approvals.

The merger unifies two strong and respected organizations to better serve the community and to meet a wider spectrum of community mental health needs in the era of healthcare reform.

“Buckelew Programs and Family Service Agency have demonstrated forward-thinking planning, flexibility and responsiveness in putting the fuller range of their clients’ needs – and their ability to meet them – at the center of their planning,” said Marin County Supervisor Katie Rice. “This is a model of collaboration which will benefit the entire community.”

No services are expected to be reduced, and there will be no layoffs of staff or interns from either organization.

With a combined history of 100 years of service, the merger of Buckelew Programs and FSA will create the leading behavioral health organization in the North Bay. FSA will become a major operating division under the umbrella of Buckelew Programs and retain its name for three years. Buckelew Programs is considering re-branding and a name change that will better reflect its expanded role in serving the community. The public is encouraged to suggest a new name for Buckelew Programs on the organization’s Facebook page or by calling 415/526-0409.

“It is delightful to see these two longstanding, compassionate and strong service organizations, as Buckelew and Family Services Organizations most certainly are, join together to create an even stronger and broader capacity to serve the Marin community,” said Larry Meredith, Ph.D., Director, Marin County Department of Health & Human Services.

The new organization will serve at least 7,000 people in its first year. Further growth is anticipated through implementation of the Affordable Care Act and the state’s Coverage Expansion, which is expected to provide health coverage to over 17,000 newly eligible individuals in Marin County in 2014.