Family and Children’s Services (FCS), a mental-health center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, stands as a beacon of hope and support for the local community, offering essential programs to address various mental health needs. With a history spanning over a century, FCS has positively impacted the lives of more than 150,000 individuals annually through services such as child abuse and trauma support, family counseling, and assistance for those battling substance abuse and addiction. The organization’s reach extends to more than 50 schools, reflecting its commitment to providing accessible care to all who require it.
In recent years, FCS has undergone significant growth, both in terms of its staff and the services it offers. The organization has more than doubled its workforce, boasting a team of 1,500 employees dedicated to delivering a wide range of support programs. With the onset of the global pandemic, many of these services transitioned to online platforms to ensure continuity of care for clients. This shift presented a challenge for FCS Chief Information Officer (CIO) Brent Harris, who was tasked with managing the organization’s expanding IT infrastructure.
As the number of devices, including iPads and other tools for teletherapy and telemedicine, in use by FCS surged to around 3,500, Harris recognized the need for a more streamlined approach to IT management. Balancing the organization’s commitment to serving the community’s mental health needs with the necessity of controlling costs, Harris turned to automation as a solution. By leveraging technology to automate processes and enhance efficiency, FCS aimed to optimize its operations and better support its growing client base.
Implementing an Endpoint Management Platform was a pivotal step in FCS’s IT strategy, providing crucial visibility into the organization’s network and device landscape. Harris emphasized the importance of accurately monitoring software packages and device patches to uphold security standards effectively. The legacy system in place fell short in providing the desired level of insight, prompting FCS to explore alternative solutions.
Upon deploying Tanium as part of a pilot program, FCS experienced immediate benefits, with the platform uncovering previously undetected devices and software discrepancies. A poignant event within the community underscored the critical need for reliable endpoint management technology, particularly in crisis situations. Following an incident involving an active shooter at a nearby healthcare facility, FCS realized the importance of having a robust employee notification system in place to ensure the safety and preparedness of its staff.
Harris emphasized the significance of conducting trial runs to evaluate new technologies thoroughly, noting the swift decision-making process that led to the adoption of Tanium as a fundamental component of FCS’s technology infrastructure. The platform’s ability to push out vital information and updates to all devices on the network with precision and efficiency is essential, especially in scenarios where timely communication can be a matter of life or death.
In conclusion, FCS’s proactive approach to enhancing its IT capabilities not only reflects its commitment to leveraging technology for the benefit of its clients but also underscores the organization’s dedication to maintaining a secure and efficient operational environment. By embracing automation and innovative solutions like the Endpoint Management Platform, FCS continues to uphold its mission of providing robust mental health services to the community while adapting to the evolving landscape of healthcare delivery.