Citizens National Bank supports new Justin A. Borra Behavioral Health Center

Staff reports
·2 min read
On behalf of their organizations, Dennis Hesselink, McLaren Northern Michigan Board Chair (left), accepts the contribution from Matthew Keene, Citizens National Bank president and CEO, of $30,000 to go toward the new behavioral health center at McLaren Northern Michigan's Cheboygan Campus.
On behalf of their organizations, Dennis Hesselink, McLaren Northern Michigan Board Chair (left), accepts the contribution from Matthew Keene, Citizens National Bank president and CEO, of $30,000 to go toward the new behavioral health center at McLaren Northern Michigan's Cheboygan Campus.

CHEBOYGAN — Citizens National Bank has committed to support the new Justin A. Borra Behavioral Health Center scheduled to open in 2023 on the McLaren Northern Michigan Cheboygan Campus.

The bank made a gift commitment of $30,000 towards the project and is challenging community members to match or exceed their gift with donations.

Matthew Keene, president and CEO of Citizens National Bank, said he was intrigued when he learned of plans to establish a new behavioral health center in Northern Michigan.

“More and more often, a friend, neighbor, or coworker has shared their challenges to find care for a loved one struggling with mental illness. With few options in our area, they’re left feeling helpless, hopeless, defeated,” said Keene. “As a business leader, I am especially concerned for my employees and their families — I want services to be available nearby, so no one is suffering needlessly.”

The Justin A. Borra Behavioral Health Center will include inpatient behavioral health units, as well as programs and services offering a wide range of therapies to meet the recovery needs of behavioral health patients.

“When I heard that a behavioral health center was being considered for the McLaren Cheboygan Campus I knew it was a win-win for our community and region. Not only will we have critical services close by, but it will also bring jobs, and their economic ripple effect, to Cheboygan,” said Keene.

The Citizens National Bank Board of Directors was equally enthusiastic.

“We are excited to invest in the Justin A. Borra Behavioral Health Center and encourage others to consider giving,” said Keene.

Renovation of the existing facility to create the 18-bed adult inpatient psychiatric unit and partial hospitalization program is in progress. New construction to house an additional 12-bed inpatient unit and other services is planned for the near future and will begin when funds have been raised.

“McLaren Northern Michigan is committed to establishing comprehensive behavioral health services within our northern region,” said Dennis Hesselink, McLaren Northern Michigan Board chair. “Our vision is to work with community mental health partners to build a robust system of mental health programs that offer all levels of support and care, close to home.”

To learn more about the project or to donate, visit www.mclaren.org/northernmichiganfoundation/giving.

This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Citizens National Bank donates $30,000 to new behavioral health center