Mental Health Recovery Board receives $3 million in ARPA funds for new crisis center
COLUMBUS – The Mental Health & Recovery Board for Licking and Knox Counties, in partnership with Behavioral Healthcare Partners of Central Ohio, has secured $3 million from the American Rescue Plan Act to purchase land for a crisis center.
A Licking-Knox Counties Regional Comprehensive Crisis Stabilization Center has long been a vision of BHP, offering immediate assistance to those in distress, ensuring timely and effective interventions. The center will address a longstanding need for dedicated mental health and addiction crisis resources in the region.
“This funding and the vision of BHP marks a pivotal moment for our service district,” Mental Health and Recovery Board Executive Director Kay Spergel said. “For far too long, the residents of Licking and Knox counties have had limited access to dedicated crisis support.
“With this development, we’re not just building a facility, we're constructing a lifeline for our community members. It's a testament to our commitment to prioritizing behavioral health services and ensuring that everyone has access to the care they deserve.”
Behavioral Healthcare Partners President and CEO Dr. Kate St. James said: “Our neighbors deserve the care they need close to home during a time of crisis, as well as a place where they can stabilize and begin healing. They also deserve to have their loved ones close to them as they heal.
“The BHP Licking-Knox Counties Crisis Stabilization Center will provide cutting-edge behavioral healthcare and crisis stabilization in a safe and comforting setting that is geared toward behavioral health needs. Helping our neighbors get back to their lives quickly and in a better state of mind is our top priority.”
The location and timeline for the construction of the crisis center is undetermined.
The funding is part of $90 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds awarded by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.
This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Mental Health Recovery Board receives $3 million for new crisis center
