SalusCare rebuilding crisis unit that's been closed since Hurricane Ian damage

Liz Freeman, Naples Daily News
·3 min read

  • Rebuilding of Ian-damaged crisis unit may take 45 to 60 days

  • SalusCare has taken out a loan; cost could run $1.5 million

  • Program officials hope the community donates to help with expense

  • Patients now get crisis care at Lee Health; at David Lawrence Center; elsewhere

SalusCare can’t wait any longer. Neither can patients facing a mental health crisis.

The behavioral health organization is going ahead with rebuilding its 46-bed crisis unit that has been closed since Hurricane Ian caused flood damage Sept. 28.

The nonprofit center in Lee County is using a loan for the project that could run to about $1.5 million. The hope is the community, through donations, will help with the tab, SalusCare officials say.

The rebuilding of the unit at its Colonial Boulevard campus, 10140 Deer Run Farms Road, should take 45 to 60 days. But that is contingent on supplies so the completion date could change, officials said.

There are no plans to add more beds, which currently involves 30 beds for adults and 16 for children.

The crisis unit for people facing a mental health issue typically sees 500 to 600 patients a month for involuntarily evaluation under the Baker Act law.

Patients needing that level of crisis intervention suffer from psychotic symptoms, severe depression, bi-polar disorder, schizophrenia and some may have suicidal thoughts.

More:Hundreds of patients impacted as crisis unit still closed three months after Ian

Where patients can get help now

Since the unit’s closing, the emergency rooms at hospitals operated by Lee Health, the public hospital system in Lee County, has been seeing the patients, so has Park Royal Hospital for behavioral health in Lee, and the David Lawrence Center in Collier County has been getting patients.

Some patients are being sent to the Charlotte Behavioral Health Care for help.

Going forward with rebuilding is essential for the community, according to program officials.

“We made this decision because there are not enough crisis beds in Lee County to begin with, and every day we delay in getting the unit reopened, it hurts the community and those who need our services,” Stacey Cook, chief executive officer of SalusCare, said.

What has been going on to prevent re-opening earlier?

Ever since Ian caused two feet of water in the crisis unit, SalusCare has been embroiled in claims’ rejections from its flood carrier through FEMA and its property insurer.

Neither is taking responsibility and paying for the damage repairs.

Program officials have complied with documentation requests and submitted dozens of photos of the water damage, according to SalusCare.

The nonprofit’s board has considered legal action against the insurance carriers.

More:SalusCare faces insurance battle from Ian flooding; patients must go elsewhere for help

“We are following the guidance of our attorney,” the agency said. “No formal legal action has been filed at this time.”

SalusCare is looking to the community for help with the cost

SalusCare has an annual operating budget of around $27 million, of which 80% is government funding, and it operates with virtually no margin, according to program officials.

“In making this decision, our board, in collaboration with our partners and regulatory agencies, did its due diligence to make sure we explored all options and the impact on our long-term operations and budget,” Cook said.

To donate to support rebuilding of the Crisis Care Center and other SalusCare’s mental and behavioral health programs, visit saluscareflorida.org.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: SalusCare patients can't wait; rebuild of crisis unit underway.