New Facilities to Address Growing Needs in Springfield, Oregon
In an important development for mental health services in Lane County, PeaceHealth and Lane County are joining forces to establish two new facilities in Springfield. The Timber Springs Behavioral Health Hospital and a new Stabilization Center will be built near the Riverbend Annex off International Way. This collaborative effort aims to significantly increase access to mental and behavioral health care for residents facing mental health challenges.
A Public-Private Partnership for Improved Care
Alicia Beymer, Chief Administrative Officer of PeaceHealth RiverBend, expressed enthusiasm for this unique public-private partnership, stating, “We’re excited to announce a public private partnership that reflects our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional care and increasing access to mental health services.” The Timber Springs Behavioral Health Hospital will feature 96 beds, including a specialized 24-bed adolescent psychiatric unit, in response to the pressing need for expanded services for both adolescents and adults in the area.
A Dedicated Mental and Behavioral Health Campus
The new facilities will be part of a comprehensive Mental and Behavioral Health Campus, designed to address various stages of mental distress. Eve Gray, Director of Health and Human Services for Lane County, explained the distinct purposes of the two facilities:
In-Patient Unit: This unit will provide somewhat longer-term care, typically accommodating patients for up to 5 to 10 days. Its focus is on stabilizing individuals who require extended attention.
Stabilization Center: The goal of this center is to offer immediate treatment and stabilization for individuals in crisis. Gray noted, “To get back into the community much more rapidly than they would have with the traditional model.”
This innovative approach aims to reduce the time individuals spend in distress and provide them with tailored transition plans to reintegrate into the community effectively.
Addressing the Mental Health Crisis
The urgent need for enhanced mental health care resources is echoed by Lane County Sheriff Cliff Harrold, who highlighted the strain on first responders handling mental health crises. “There’s a dire need for more resources to help the people who need it the most,” he said. Harrold pointed out that ongoing evaluations for civil commitment often delay admissions to state hospitals, exacerbating the lack of resources in the system.
He emphasized the importance of the new developments, stating, “Having a 96-bed unit in our community is phenomenal and to have it located with the stabilization center is a tool that we’ve never had.” This collaboration will provide first responders with critical options for addressing the needs of individuals in crisis.
Future Developments in Behavioral Health
Earlier in 2024, PeaceHealth received approval to construct a new rehabilitation hospital near the Riverbend Annex, with groundbreaking scheduled for January 2025. The completion of the Timber Springs Behavioral Health Hospital is projected for late 2027, marking a significant milestone in improving mental health care services in Lane County.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Lane County and PeaceHealth represents a proactive approach to addressing the growing demand for mental health services in Oregon. By establishing specialized facilities tailored to different stages of mental distress, this partnership aims to enhance the quality and accessibility of care for those in need. As the project progresses, it holds the promise of fostering a healthier, more supportive community for individuals facing mental health challenges.
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