DOTHAN, Ala. (WDHN)— Nearly two years after its announcement, the Circle City is still awaiting the opening of the state’s newest mental health center.
In December 2022, SpectraCare Health Systems, a local behavioral healthcare facility, announced plans to open a crisis diversion center, marking just the sixth such facility in Alabama. The center is designed to focus on behavioral health, mental health, and substance abuse.
The crisis center received $7 million in funding and was initially scheduled to open in the summer of 2023. However, despite the anticipation, there has been no official word on its opening.
A spokesperson from SpectraCare confirmed that the crisis diversion center is still in the works, with current efforts focused on furnishing the facility and completing flooring and landscaping needs.
The addition of this mental health facility will provide Wiregrass residents with a closer and more accessible option for treatment. This is especially significant as earlier this year, a Forbes advisor ranked Alabama as the third worst state for mental health.
On Thursday, Alabama’s mental health commissioner, Kim Boswell, highlighted a concerning trend: teens who spend extensive time on social media face increased risks of mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. Some have suggested that banning or imposing stricter restrictions on cell phone use in public schools could mitigate this issue—a measure already being practiced in multiple Wiregrass schools.
As for the crisis center, no official opening date has been announced. Updates will be provided online and on-air as they become available.
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