East Alabama Health unveils $30 million standalone Mental Healthcare Center
OPELIKA, Ala. (WRBL) – In a monumental move to address the escalating mental health crisis in East Alabama, East Alabama Health announces construction of a state-of-the-art Center for Mental Health set to open in Fall of 2025. The need for expanded psychiatric services is evident, with a surge in demand far surpassing current capabilities.
“This is the most underserved population in our world probably but especially here, and Lee County folks are struggling with mental health they need help and they need a place where they can come and find healing and hope,” said Laura Eason, Director of Pastoral Care, East Alabama Health.
Situated in the Village Professional Park, between the Spencer Cancer Center and Pinnacle Cardiovascular Associates, the 54,000-square-foot freestanding psychiatric hospital is set to become a beacon of hope for those grappling with mental health.
Since 1955, the state-funded psychiatric beds in Alabama have seen a staggering 97% decline, while emergency department visits related to behavioral health have risen by 44% since 2006. Alarming statistics like these prompted EAH to take decisive action to better serve the community.
The $30 million project will include 40 beds, all in private rooms, addressing the current limitation of 28 beds. The facility’s design includes dedicated spaces for the inpatient units, catering to adults and adolescents with varying short-term and long-term needs. The expansion also incorporates the East Alabama Psychiatric Services (EAPS) outpatient clinic, offering a comprehensive approach to mental health care. Dr. Peter Lusche, East Alabama Health Director of Psychiatry says the new brick-and-mortar facility will be a reflection of the exceptional care from a dedicated staff.
“This is not easy work – it is emotionally taxing – and yet they come to work every day optimistic and energetic – it is remarkable,” he said.
The Center for Mental Health aims not only to meet the immediate demand for services but also to bolster the recruitment of new physicians. Moreover, it plans to house a psychiatric residency program, nurturing the next generation of psychiatric physicians and further elevating EAH’s mental health services.
Wednesday’s groundbreaking ceremony initiated the bricks and mortar of the transformative project that’s been in the planning stages for years. The approval from the Certificate of Need (CON) Board in Montgomery underscores the significance of this project, reflecting a regional commitment to mental health care.
Mental Health: A Shared Concern
Mental illness, ranking second only to cardiovascular disorders in burden of disease, affects 1 in 5 U.S. adults annually. East Alabama Mental Health recognizes the need for holistic care and offers not only inpatient and outpatient services but also community-based programs. These programs, spanning Chambers, Lee, Russell, and Tallapoosa County, focus on substance abuse prevention through various initiatives, emphasizing education and community engagement. East Alabama Health reassures the community that they are not alone. The Center for Mental Health stands as a testament to a collective commitment to addressing the mental health crisis, offering hope and healing to individuals and families in East Alabama.
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