LANCASTER, Ohio — Two major community health organizations are joining forces in an effort to expand access to comprehensive, coordinated care across Fairfield County and surrounding regions.
Integrated Services for Behavioral Health (ISBH) and Fairfield Community Health Center (FCHC) announced this week that their boards have approved a plan to unite the two organizations under a single leadership structure, effective January 1, 2026. The move is aimed at strengthening integrated care that addresses both physical and behavioral health needs.
The collaboration comes amid growing demand for coordinated, whole-person care that combines primary care, mental health services, substance use disorder treatment, and community-based supports. ISBH, which provides mental health services, addiction treatment, and supportive housing across Southeast and Central Ohio, will merge operations with FCHC, a Federally Qualified Health Center based in Lancaster.
“This partnership is about building a healthier future for our community,” said Samantha Shafer, president and CEO of ISBH, who will lead the combined organization. “By bringing together behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment, and primary care—alongside our strong home- and community-based programs—we can truly treat the whole person.”
Fairfield Community Health Center has long been known for offering primary care, behavioral health services, women’s health, pediatrics, and chronic disease management. Lisa Evangelista, who has served as FCHC’s chief executive officer for more than 13 years, will retire following the transition but will remain in a consultative role during the merger process.
“It has been the honor of my life to serve FCHC and the families who rely on us,” Evangelista said. “Our patients deserve seamless care that recognizes the connection between mental and physical health. I’m confident this partnership will strengthen that mission.”
Beginning in January, Shafer—who resides in Lancaster—will serve as CEO of the combined organization. Officials emphasized that all current services and locations will remain open, with no interruption in patient care.
The newly unified organization is expected to employ approximately 900 staff members and serve more than 17,000 individuals and families each year.
“Our teams share a vision for compassionate, accessible care,” Shafer said. “This partnership allows both organizations to grow in ways that directly benefit the communities we serve.”
