Cumberland, Perry and Dauphin counties have announced the upcoming opening of a revolutionary mental health crisis center to enhance accessibility to mental healthcare as well as alleviate individual’s suffering during these times.
This facility, coming up with $17.5 million in cost and anticipated to open in less than one year is aimed at changing the way that mental health emergencies are responded to so as to relieve the burden of traditional methods on those in need of urgent relief.
Mental Health Crisis Center Mission and Scope: A Beacon of Hope
The new facility will be situated at 1100 S. Cameron St. near Harrisburg and Steelton, PA and would serve as a 24/7 sanctuary for people in mental health crisis situations throughout the year, regardless of the financial status or insurance coverage.
The Mental Health Crisis Center pledges itself to be an essential point of stability by facilitating quick connections between patients and appropriate medical professionals that handle their specific cases.
Critical Needs Addressed through Astonishing Statistics
This need was highlighted by shocking statistics presented at the announcement. Gary Eichelberger, a Commissioner from Cumberland County County asserted that “49%” of inmates at Cumberland County prison experienced some form of mental illness.
It emerged that within a year, there were “35” suicides among residents from Cumberland and Perry Counties.
These figures reflect an alarming escalation in the state of mental health that calls for urgent intervention and support systems.
A Beacon of Change: An End to Disturbing Patterns
One major focus will be ending what seems like recurring nightmares in this part of America.
For instance, many mentally ill individuals are handcuffed or held without care in jail cells or emergency rooms for long periods waiting for treatment which is usually delayed or inadequate (Jennifer Wilt).
The local National Alliance on Mental Illness president Jennifer Wilt commended it as “amazing,” adding that police-driven involuntary commitments should give way to ERs where distressed individuals get worse off.
New Mental Health Crisis Center: A Ray of Hope
The Mental Health Crisis Center is operated by Connections Health Solutions, an Arizona-based organization with a solid track record in offering comprehensive care.
Mental health crises necessitate the provision of full crisis mental health care, which has resulted in 24-hour turnaround for the majority of clients and lower levels of imprisonment or hospitalization through their history.
This also means that mobile units can be deployed to support people experiencing urgent mental health issues all over town.
Financial Backing and Collaborative Efforts
This project serves as evidence of how Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry counties have come together to confront the growing mental health problems.
The $17.5 million renovation cost was funded mainly by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grants and Capital Area Behavioral Health Collaborative program grants.
Partnerships with leading health systems within the Harrisburg region could not go unnoticed.
A Vision for the Future: Confronting Challenges
The county understands that there is a shortage of qualified professionals in this area across the country but they still need to staff their facility properly.
One unique feature about this center, however, is its enhanced use of what have been dubbed “peers” who are individuals hired from a pool of former patients (“Closing”).
This model was praised by Dr. Valerie Arkoosh, State Secretary of Human Services as one that could be replicated in other communities throughout Pennsylvania due to its collaboration and persistence.
Unswerving Commitment to Serve: A Shift in thinking
The upcoming mental health crisis center signifies that there is a big change in how we are dealing with people who find themselves in these cases as they arise.
This institution epitomizes the region’s resolve to promptly offer holistic and sympathetic healthcare that has been difficult for years in terms of provision of mental health care.
Consequently, the facility is a sign of hope and a living proof of their values and determination towards fostering a society where people can work together as well as be there for one another according to county officials.
