New behavioral health facility aims to transform crisis care

In a recent government meeting, Kate Bailey from Inisium Health provided an update on the development of a regional behavioral health facility aimed at transforming crisis response systems in the area. Over the past two and a half years, Inisium Health has collaborated with local cities and counties to establish a crisis triage center designed to address mental health and substance use emergencies more effectively than traditional hospital emergency rooms.

Bailey emphasized the inadequacies of current systems, which often lead individuals in crisis to emergency rooms ill-equipped to handle their needs. The proposed crisis triage center will allow for immediate intervention through a 988 call system, mobile crisis teams, and specialized facilities that can stabilize individuals and connect them to appropriate services. This approach aims to divert individuals from law enforcement and detention centers, which are not suitable for healthcare needs.

The center will be located at 2125 West 21st Street in Clovis, strategically positioned near existing medical facilities to facilitate coordinated care. It will feature 10 receiving recliners for short-term observation and 12 short-term beds for up to 14 days of care, catering to both adults and adolescents.

Bailey highlighted a significant legislative change in 2023 that now permits crisis triage centers to accept involuntary admissions, expanding access to those who may not voluntarily seek help. This change is expected to reduce the number of individuals sent to detention centers and improve overall community health outcomes.

Financial projections indicate initial operating losses in the first three years, with a gradual increase in occupancy expected as the facility becomes established. Funding sources include $1.7 million from opioid settlement dollars and $1.85 million from managed care organization reinvestment funds, which will help cover startup costs and initial losses.

Workforce development is also a priority, with partnerships established with local educational institutions to create internship opportunities and training programs aimed at preparing future mental health professionals. Upcoming milestones include issuing requests for proposals for facility operators and design-build contractors, as well as law enforcement training to ensure effective collaboration with the triage center.

The meeting concluded with Bailey inviting questions from the commissioners, underscoring the importance of community engagement in the successful implementation of the facility.