A legacy of integrated behavioral health care

Domenico "Nic" Minotti, MD, has long believed behavioral health care goes hand in hand with physical health care.

"I used to tell my patients, 'You can't separate what's going on above the neck from what's going on below,'" the retired doctor says.

This understanding of mental health as integral to a person's whole health drew Nic to Navos, part of the a MultiCare program or foundation Behavioral Health Network.

The former social worker turned family doctor was introduced to the nonprofit by his friend David M. Johnson, EdD, LMHC — then Navos CEO and current a MultiCare program or foundation Behavioral Health Foundation board vice chair. Nic was struck by Navos programs, like Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health.

"I was interested in Navos' attention to early infancy issues of mental illness," he shares. "I've always felt we should be paying attention because prevention and prophylaxis are critical."

The Peer Bridger program is another favorite, where people who have lived experience/lived expertise with behavioral health illnesses become counselors to those going through similar struggles.

When Navos envisioned building a primary care clinic as part of their behavioral medicine facility, Nic chaired the capital campaign committee, turning his dream of integrated care into reality.

Nic's generous spirit also shows in his community work, from being on the board of Gay City Health Project to volunteering with his church's youth music program and tutoring high school students with special needs. Taking his compassionate nature further, Nic recently named Navos in his estate plan.

"My hopes are the funds will help provide important, needed services," he says. "Secondly, I'm hoping others might be encouraged to contribute in their own way."

To formalize his legacy, Nic met with Lorraine del Prado, a MultiCare program or foundation's Thompson & Associates consultant. Lorraine talked with Nic about his values and wishes for what he'd like to accomplish with his estate. She shared the benefits of creating a donor advised fund now that will support the causes he cares about — like Navos programs — during his lifetime. She also provided information on the best way to make a gift through his estate plan, which will continue his support for generations.

"I have a strong belief in paying it forward," Nic adds. "It's right for me to pass that on."

What will your legacy be?

Like Nic, you can leave a legacy through your will, trust, retirement plan or other gift. Learn more by visiting a MultiCare program or foundationlegacy.org or contacting our gift planning team at 253-403-1264 or plannedgiving@multicare.org.