‘Turning point.’ River Edge begins new chapter in behavioral health services in Macon
A new chapter has begun for River Edge Behavioral Health, which provides mental health services to Macon and Middle Georgia.
On Wednesday, demolition of the old Riverside Plaza took place in Macon to make way for a new River Edge Behavioral Health Complex.
The new complex will consist of three buildings that include a two-story corporate headquarters that will support all of River Edge’s administrative functions; a two-story Behavioral Health Outpatient Clinic, and a maintenance and procurement building.
Chief Executive Director Cass Hatcher said the demolition was an exciting moment for River Edge Behavioral Health.
“Today is a turning point in River Edge Behavioral Health’s 74 years of delivering mental health services, substance use disorder services, and most importantly, improving the quality of life for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities throughout Middle Georgia,” he said.
“It is an exciting moment for River Edge and Macon-Bibb County to transform this once-thriving retail space known as Riverside Plaza that has, over the years, fallen on hard times,” Hatcher said. “River Edge has selected this prime location thanks to Dwight Jones, president of Ocmulgee Fields, Inc., to continue building on its legacy of compassion, hope, and recovery for anyone seeking mental health services.”
Mental illness affects nearly 20% of the population, and its impact on the health-care and justice systems is particularly acute.
Nearly one in eight people arrive at emergency rooms for mental health treatment and up to 60% of incarcerated individuals live with a mental health disorder, according to Hatcher.
Hatcher said the new complex will enable individuals with mental illness to maintain family relationships, friendships, and jobs while receiving services.
“The good news is that River Edge helps individuals to lead more fulfilling lives in the community, rather than being in an institutional setting,” he said.
The estimated cost to build the new health center is $27 million, according to River Edge.
River Edge selected Mike Casteel of Casteel Trucking of Macon to demolish the 74,000 square-foot plaza with an estimated completion date of June 2024.
Azar+Walsh Architects of Macon is currently designing the multi-facility complex. Construction is set to start in the fall with an estimated completion date of December 2025.
“It is our hope that as the stigma surrounding behavioral health challenges decreases and more people understand that mental health matters, they will seek the services provided by River Edge Behavioral Health,” Hatcher said. “The new behavioral health complex will greatly improve access for individuals and families, whether they are insured or uninsured and services will be affordable across all income ranges.”
