CLEVELAND, Ohio — The MetroHealth System is bolstering its commitment to addressing the behavioral health needs of Greater Cleveland with the imminent opening of a new psychiatric emergency department on its Cleveland Heights campus. This development comes as St. Vincent Charity Community Health Center prepares to close its psychiatric emergency services unit on June 30.
Funded by the Alcohol, Drug Addiction & Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board of Cuyahoga County, the new psychiatric emergency department aims to fill the gap left by St. Vincent Charity’s closure. Until its fall opening, MetroHealth will continue to provide psychiatric care and coordination at its four emergency departments, including the Main Campus on West 25th Street in Cleveland.
The facility in Cleveland Heights will build upon MetroHealth’s substantial investments in mental and behavioral health over the past five years. Situated adjacent to MetroHealth’s Cleveland Heights Behavioral Health Hospital, it will facilitate seamless transitions to inpatient behavioral healthcare if necessary, enhancing accessibility and continuity of care for patients.
St. Vincent Charity will cease accepting new patients after 8 a.m. on June 30. Individuals in need of psychiatric emergency assessment or treatment will be directed to the nearest appropriate Emergency Department, including MetroHealth’s facilities.
Collaboration between St. Vincent Charity, MetroHealth, and the ADAMHS Board has been integral to ensuring a smooth transition and uninterrupted access to high-quality psychiatric care. This partnership also supports coordination with local emergency services and offers opportunities for St. Vincent Charity employees to transition to roles at MetroHealth.
Statements from Key Figures:
Airica Steed, Ed.D, RN, MBA, FACHE, President & CEO of MetroHealth:
“MetroHealth is honored to assume this crucial role in our community’s behavioral healthcare landscape. This initiative aligns with our ongoing commitment to expand access to top-tier mental health services for all community members.”
Charles Garven, MD, Chief Medical Officer at St. Vincent Charity Community Health Center:
“St. Vincent Charity has proudly served our community with essential medical and mental healthcare services. Collaborating with MetroHealth ensures continued access to high-quality psychiatric emergency care for all.”
Scott Osiecki, CEO of the ADAMHS Board:
“The ADAMHS Board values its long-standing partnership with St. Vincent Charity and welcomes this new collaboration with MetroHealth to sustain vital crisis services in our region.”
For individuals experiencing a mental health crisis requiring immediate attention, dial 988, the county-wide mental health crisis line.
The opening of MetroHealth’s new psychiatric emergency department underscores a concerted effort to enhance crisis intervention and support for individuals facing mental health challenges across Greater Cleveland.
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