PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Newport Hospital is fast-tracking the construction of its much-anticipated adolescent behavioral health unit after surpassing its $5 million fundraising goal. The facility, set to address the growing mental health crisis among teens, is expected to treat more than 240 patients annually upon completion.
The urgency behind this project reflects a nationwide crisis in youth mental health, significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Educators and healthcare providers report that social isolation during the pandemic has contributed to diminished social skills, increased dependency on social media, and rising mental health challenges among children and teens. Rhode Island has been no exception, facing added pressures from shortages in school clinicians, budget constraints, and even medication scarcities, such as Adderall.
The planned unit will feature eight beds on the Newport Hospital campus and will serve patients aged 12 to 18. Developed in collaboration with Bradley Hospital in East Providence, the facility is designed to provide short-term stabilization, assessment, and treatment for adolescents grappling with severe mental health disorders, including suicidal ideation, aggression, and other behavioral conditions.
“The unit will include modern therapy spaces, activity rooms, and a secure outdoor area,” Brown University Health stated. “With this new facility, we aim to provide critical care to over 240 adolescents and their families annually.”
Construction crews have already broken ground, and the project, initially slated for a later start, is expected to be completed within 12 to 14 months. While the hospital has surpassed its fundraising goal, efforts to secure additional funds for the unit’s development are ongoing.
“This is a milestone moment for Newport Hospital, but more importantly, for the kids and families in our community who need the specialized care a behavioral health unit can provide,” said Carol Bazarsky, chair of the Newport Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees.
Bazarsky emphasized the transformative impact of community support. “Philanthropy makes an incredible difference, and that is especially true at Newport Hospital,” she said. “Words alone cannot express the gratitude we have for our donor community and all that they have made possible.”
As the construction progresses, Newport Hospital’s new behavioral health unit is poised to fill a critical gap in mental healthcare for Rhode Island’s youth, offering hope and support to families in need.
Related Topics:
How Can I Lift My Self-Esteem?
How to Increase Self-Worth in Adults?
What Can Lower Your Self-Esteem?
