ERIE — Pennsylvania’s Office of the Attorney General has approved an application for a joint partnership between LECOM Health and the Achievement Center, paving the way for an alliance that will bolster the organizations’ ability to better serve the needs of residents in northwestern Pennsylvania.

Through this collaboration, LECOM Health and the Achievement Center — now known as the Achievement Center of LECOM Health — will combine resources, allowing both entities to amplify their effectiveness within the Erie community and beyond. LECOM Health is the region’s largest provider of inpatient behavioral health services.

Founded in 1923, the Achievement Center of LECOM Health has been committed to providing quality therapeutic services to children in Erie, Crawford, Forest, Venango and Warren counties for nearly a century and serves more than 3,100 children and adolescents each year. Joining forces with LECOM Health’s integrated, comprehensive health system ensures a seamless continuity of care for the community’s most vulnerable youth who often require multiple professionals from a variety of disciplines to address a wide range of needs.

Collaborating with community partners to maximize both resources and impact is a core value of the Achievement Center of LECOM Health. Plans for this partnership have been in the works since December and were first publicly announced in June.

“For nearly a century, the Achievement Center has provided hope, healing and support to children and families across the region. Delivering high-quality, therapeutic care is our top priority and alignment with LECOM Health strengthens and increases access to the life-changing treatment we provide,” said Charlotte Rerko, chief executive officer of the Achievement Center of LECOM Health. “This partnership facilitates a unique cross-system collaboration that promotes health integration and increased opportunities for children and their families to thrive.”

“Welcoming the Achievement Center of LECOM Health into our fold of affiliates and partners allows LECOM Health to further its mission of delivering ‘whole-person’ care and wellness to the communities we serve,” said Danielle Hansen, D.O., Millcreek Community Hospital vice president of acute care, behavioral health and quality. “By combining our efforts, our organizations can build a cohesive continuum of care that uses collaboration and coordination to deliver improved family experiences and patient outcomes.”

The Achievement Center of LECOM Health will continue operating at its current location, 4950 W. 23rd St., Erie, as well as at its satellite offices in Corry, Meadville and Warren.