SHAHEEN: $200,000 FOR ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE TREATMENT IN WESTERN NEW HAMPSHIRE PASSES SENATE

(Washington, D.C.) - U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen announced today that she has secured $200,000 to help eight Phoenix House centers in western New Hampshire acquire and install a new electronic data system for patient records. The funding was approved by the Senate as part of the Fiscal Year 2010 Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, which will now go to conference committee to be merged with the House bill.

"Electronic medical records allow health care providers to better treat their patients in an efficient, cost-effective way," said Shaheen. "This new electronic medical record system will help Phoenix House improve patient outcomes, share data between their centers, and continue to improve their already outstanding services."

Phoenix House is a non-profit organization that operates eight alcohol and drug abuse treatment and prevention facilities in western New Hampshire. This funding would acquire and install a new electronic clinical management system that will enable Phoenix House to better treat and assist clients by thoroughly assessing a client's needs, customizing treatment, updating clinical records, and electronically sharing data within the Phoenix House New Hampshire treatment network and with governmental and community partners.

The funding was approved today by the Appropriations Committee as part of the Fiscal Year 2010 Commerce Appropriations legislation, which includes $7,550,000 for projects in New Hampshire.