MOUNT VERNON — Dr. Kate St. James has long had a vision of a center that would provide 24/7 immediate assistance to people experiencing a behavioral health crisis.
Local officials, community partners, donors and staff gathered Thursday to celebrate the culmination of that vision: the Knox County Behavioral Health Crisis Center at 8402 Black Jack Road.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was brief, but the effects run deep.
“Today is more than an opening of a building. It represents our commitment to ensuring that people experiencing a behavioral health crisis have a safe place to turn when they need help most,” said St. James, CEO of Behavioral Healthcare Partners.
“This center was made possible because our community came together. … Together we have created a place where individuals and families can receive timely, compassionate, and life-changing care that is close to home.”
The 8,000-square-foot center will house the Knox County Behavioral Health Urgent Care, BHP’s crisis response team, and two crisis stabilization units — one for youth and one for adults.
St. James said BHP’s mission is to improve and save lives.
“This crisis center is a powerful example of that mission in action. … Together, these services will ensure that individuals of all ages can receive immediate, appropriate and compassionate care when they need it most,” she said.
“We are proud of what we have built here, but even more proud of what it will mean for the people that we serve.”
Kate St. James, Behavioral Healthcare Partners
The center functions at the emergency room level for behavioral health. Currently, if someone is thinking about harming themselves or is in an addiction-related emergency, the only alternative is a hospital emergency room.
The crisis center provides rapid intervention in an environment tailored to the individual’s needs.
Community effort increases access for youths and adults
Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr said the crisis center, along with other events the community celebrated this week, represents synchronizing.
“We are coming together to make sure that we as a community … treat the whole person — spiritual, mind, body, soul,” he said.
Kay Spergel, executive director of the Mental Health & Recovery Board for Licking and Knox Counties, congratulated St. James and BHP for their commitment to the community and tireless work in bringing the milestone to fruition.
“At moments when individuals and families may be facing some of the most difficult circumstances of their lives, this crisis center stands as a very safe, compassionate place where immediate care, comfort, dignity, and hope are going to be provided,” she said.
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Hollie Linton, director of development for BHP, thanked the donors and partners who helped the center become a reality.
“From the very beginning, you have created an incredible environment of support, collaboration, and shared purpose. This center stands as a testament to what is possible when a community comes together in compassion and commitment to caring for one another,” she said.
“You have helped to build hope for countless people who will walk through these doors in the years to come.”
BHP Board President Steven Fields also thanked the community for its support.
“Everyone reached out to us and said we want to bring this here. Everyone leaned in and said, what can we do? How How can we help? What do you need?” he said.
“That means so much, being welcomed here. Knowing that we’re going to be here for a long time to serve the population that most needs it here in Knox County as well as the surrounding counties is so important.”
