UnityPoint Health, a prominent healthcare provider with a strong presence in Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin, has recently appointed Ted Bender as the president of UnityPlace Behavioral Health Services. With his appointment taking effect on January 2, Bender steps into a key leadership role for a health system that is committed to providing comprehensive medical and behavioral health services to communities across the Hawkeye State and beyond. UnityPoint Health is an organization that operates 21 hospitals and provides vital home health care services across a broad network that spans urban and rural areas alike.
This leadership change comes at a significant time for UnityPoint Health as the organization continues to build upon its behavioral health services. UnityPlace, the newly established behavioral health division, was created in 2024 through a strategic partnership between UnityPoint Health and two of Peoria, Illinois’ well-known community mental health clinics: the Human Services Center and the Tazwood Center for Wellness. This collaboration has given rise to a service model that integrates inpatient and outpatient behavioral health services, including addiction recovery programs, making UnityPlace a critical asset for the region.
UnityPoint Health: A Legacy of Community-Centered Care
UnityPoint Health is no stranger to innovation and expansion, especially when it comes to providing comprehensive care across a wide range of medical and behavioral health services. Previously known as Iowa Health System, the organization rebranded in 2013 to UnityPoint Health to better reflect its mission of improving healthcare access, experience, and outcomes for individuals and families. With hospitals, clinics, and home health care services spread across 11 metropolitan and rural areas, UnityPoint Health remains dedicated to meeting the needs of its diverse patient population.
Operating with a patient-first mindset, UnityPoint Health focuses on delivering a high standard of care, not only through its medical services but also by addressing the mental and emotional well-being of its patients. The addition of UnityPlace to its portfolio further demonstrates UnityPoint Health’s dedication to providing holistic care that encompasses both physical and behavioral health.
The Rise of UnityPlace
UnityPlace’s creation was a significant milestone for UnityPoint Health in its mission to address the growing need for mental health and addiction recovery services. Through the collaboration with the Human Services Center and the Tazwood Center for Wellness, UnityPlace has become a centralized hub for individuals seeking care for behavioral health concerns, from addiction recovery to treatment for mental health disorders.
The inclusion of addiction recovery services within UnityPlace is particularly notable, as it fills an urgent need in the central Illinois area. With rising concerns about substance use and addiction, UnityPlace is positioned to offer both inpatient and outpatient programs to individuals struggling with these challenges, including those with co-occurring disorders (dual diagnosis). The integration of these services into a unified model is a game-changer for communities in central Illinois, where access to quality behavioral health care can often be limited.
Ted Bender’s Leadership Vision
Ted Bender comes to UnityPlace with a wealth of experience in behavioral health, particularly in managing treatment centers focused on dual diagnosis care. Before taking the helm at UnityPlace, Bender served as the CEO of The Treehouse, a substance use and addiction treatment provider located in Forney, Texas. His extensive background in leading organizations that specialize in addiction recovery and behavioral health treatment will be invaluable as he takes on the role of president of UnityPlace.
Bender’s leadership philosophy centers on strategic planning, collaboration, and patient-centered care. His experience in managing treatment centers will be critical in developing programs that meet the unique needs of individuals facing both mental health and substance use disorders. As UnityPlace continues to grow, Bender’s ability to expand access to care and improve patient outcomes will be essential to the organization’s ongoing success.
Keith Knepp, the president and CEO of UnityPoint Health-Central Illinois, expressed his enthusiasm for Bender’s appointment in a statement: “Dr. Ted Bender’s valuable experience in managing dual diagnosis treatment centers and his passion for strategic planning will be valuable assets to take UnityPlace’s services to the community to the next level. We are thrilled to have such a strong leader join us to support our efforts to improve patient access, experience and care in central Illinois.”
A New Era for Behavioral Health in Central Illinois
The addition of Bender to the UnityPlace team marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for behavioral health services in central Illinois. UnityPlace is now in an ideal position to further enhance its offerings, particularly by expanding its outpatient services and improving access to care for individuals in rural communities who may otherwise struggle to find the support they need.
One of the most critical aspects of UnityPlace’s work is the commitment to helping individuals with dual diagnoses. People who face both mental health and substance use disorders often encounter complex challenges in their recovery journey. UnityPlace’s comprehensive approach aims to address these intertwined issues, offering patients a path to healing that integrates both medical and behavioral health support.
As UnityPlace moves forward under Bender’s leadership, there is tremendous potential for the organization to further its mission of providing quality, accessible behavioral health care for all. UnityPlace will likely continue to build strong partnerships with local organizations, expand its services, and improve the overall patient experience, offering hope and healing to those who need it most.
The Road Ahead
The future of UnityPlace is promising, and with Ted Bender at the helm, the organization is poised for continued growth and success. By integrating behavioral health services and addiction recovery assistance within UnityPoint Health’s broader healthcare system, UnityPlace is set to play a pivotal role in improving the health and well-being of individuals across Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin.
As mental health and addiction recovery continue to be at the forefront of public health discussions, UnityPlace’s work is more important than ever. With leaders like Ted Bender leading the charge, UnityPlace will undoubtedly continue to make a lasting impact on the communities it serves, providing patients with the resources and support they need to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
For UnityPoint Health, the appointment of Ted Bender is a strategic move that strengthens its commitment to providing comprehensive care, ensuring that behavioral health services remain an integral part of the organization’s mission. As UnityPlace expands its reach and refines its offerings, the future looks bright for both the organization and the countless individuals whose lives will be positively affected by the services it provides.
