Palm Beach County commissioners have voted unanimously to allocate $10 million in federal COVID relief funds to help finance a $60 million mental health and substance use crisis center. The vote, which took place on Tuesday, marks a significant step toward addressing the county’s growing mental health needs. However, the project has sparked ongoing concerns about its lengthy construction timeline, which is expected to take nearly five years before completion.
The mental health and substance use crisis center will be primarily funded, built, and operated by the Health Care District of Palm Beach County. The 60,000-square-foot facility will offer a wide range of services, including 24/7 primary care, inpatient and outpatient treatment, and support for adults and children experiencing mental health crises. It is part of a broader, long-term initiative to build sufficient behavioral health resources in the county, reducing the reliance on jails and emergency rooms for mental health care.
Addressing Mental Health Gaps
The new facility is expected to alleviate some of the strain on existing mental health services in the community. Health Care District CEO Darcy Davis emphasized that the center will complement current resources and provide much-needed relief. “We’re trying to alleviate some of the pressure on those existing resources so that they can continue to do the good work that they’re already doing,” she explained.
Despite the facility’s long-awaited promise, commissioners raised concerns over the timeline, calling it “unacceptable” that the center could take almost five years to open. Commissioner Marci Woodward expressed her frustration, saying, “We need this as quickly as possible and not to have it drag out.” In response, the county commissioners and staff have planned a workshop with the Health Care District and other health stakeholders to explore ways to speed up the construction process and secure additional funding for operational costs.
Public Support and Personal Stories
The public meeting included emotional testimonies from residents, health professionals, and elected officials, who voiced strong support for the crisis center while highlighting the urgent need for mental health services. Many attendees shared personal stories of how the closure of key facilities, such as the Jerome Golden Center for Behavioral Health in 2019, had exacerbated the mental health crisis in the county.
Lady Goldwire, a county resident, spoke tearfully about her son, Donnell, who had been receiving care at the Jerome Golden Center before it closed. Goldwire recounted how her son, a former football standout, spiraled out of control after the facility’s closure. He has since been hospitalized 87 times and is currently incarcerated in St. Lucie County Jail, where he receives some mental health treatment. Goldwire’s emotional testimony underscored the dire need for reliable mental health care in the community.
State Rep. Mike Caruso also shared his family’s struggles, recounting how his son, Michael Randolph, who had a scholarship to the University of Florida, battled bipolar schizophrenia. After years of escalating issues, Caruso was forced to Baker Act his son. “That’s the hardest thing for a parent to do,” he said, highlighting the painful decisions families face when mental health services are inadequate.
Support for the project also came from law enforcement. Tony Spatera, assistant chief of the West Palm Beach Police Department, described the immense strain placed on officers who must respond to mental health crises without the proper resources. “The revolving door of arrest and Baker Act and emergency department trips are heartbreaking,” Spatera said. He emphasized that the central receiving facility is crucial for alleviating the burden on police and ensuring individuals receive the care they need.
Location and Feasibility
While the approval of funding is a significant step forward, the Health Care District is still in the process of securing a location for the crisis center. The district has narrowed its options down to two potential sites: one owned by the district in Riviera Beach and another private, undeveloped property north of Southern Boulevard. The latter location is considered promising, and a feasibility study will be conducted to assess the site’s compatibility, environmental considerations, and development costs.
Once a location is chosen and all necessary details are finalized, commissioners are pushing for expedited construction permitting to ensure the center opens as quickly as possible.
A Path Forward for Mental Health Care
This new crisis center represents a critical investment in Palm Beach County’s mental health infrastructure, which has been strained by years of facility closures and underfunding. While concerns over the construction timeline remain, the project is a major step toward addressing the county’s behavioral health needs and providing better support for individuals experiencing mental distress. As the project moves forward, local leaders and health professionals are hopeful that the center will provide a long-term solution to the mental health challenges facing the community.
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