A new mental health crisis center is set to open in South Salt Lake to address the state’s rising mental health needs. The Huntsman Mental Health Institute’s $60 million facility, known as the Kem and Carolyn Gardner Mental Health Crisis Care Center, aims to provide immediate and compassionate care to individuals experiencing mental health crises.
A Welcoming and Supportive Environment
The center, which is open 24/7, is designed to provide an environment of de-escalation and emotional support. Director Kevin Curtis emphasized the center’s goal of offering a “warm, welcoming experience” for visitors. From the colors of the walls to the lighting, every aspect of the 80,000-square-foot facility has been carefully planned to help individuals feel comfortable and safe during a difficult time.
“We really strive for an environment and staff that create a warm, welcoming experience,” said Curtis, explaining that the lighting has been designed to promote de-escalation and hope. Visitors can expect an atmosphere where they feel supported, like being wrapped in a “warm blanket.”
Comprehensive Mental Health Services
The center will provide a range of services aimed at stabilizing individuals in crisis, including:
- 23-hour treatment and observation for those in need of immediate care, within a 30-bed receiving center.
- Short-term, rapid stabilization inpatient treatment in a 24-bed acute care unit.
- Medication-assisted treatment clinic for individuals dealing with opiate use disorders.
- Intensive outpatient treatment for adults requiring additional support for substance use disorders.
- Mental health day treatment for adults who need more assistance than traditional outpatient care.
Additionally, the center will partner with community stakeholders to provide essential services such as:
- Free law clinics to help remove legal barriers that often disrupt families in crisis.
- Primary care and dental care clinics to address broader health needs.
- Intensive case management to guide individuals through their recovery.
- Connections to housing, health care, and employment programs, along with opportunities to enroll in benefit programs such as Medicaid.
Curtis expressed the importance of connecting individuals to necessary resources, stating that these links significantly increase the likelihood of successful transitions from crisis to recovery.
Strategically Positioned Near the Jail
The new center is strategically located next to the Salt Lake County jail, a decision that Curtis believes will have a positive impact on the community. He explained that both jails and emergency rooms are not designed for mental health treatment, and the facility’s proximity to these places allows law enforcement officers to consider whether someone experiencing a mental health crisis could benefit more from treatment at the crisis center rather than incarceration.
“We want our law enforcement officers to have to pass us every day and have that thought of, ‘Is this something that should go to the jail or is this something that would be better served by a connection to treatment?’” Curtis said.
Funding and Community Support
The $60 million facility was funded through a combination of private donations, state and county funds, and a $5 million donation from the Gardners. Curtis emphasized that the new center will significantly improve access to care for individuals struggling with mental health crises in the area.
Community Engagement and Grand Opening
The Huntsman Mental Health Crisis Care Center will officially open on March 31. Ahead of the opening, there will be two free community activities on March 28 and 29, providing an opportunity for the public to engage with the facility and learn more about the services offered. No RSVP is required for these events.
A Vital Resource for the Community
With the rise in mental health needs, the new Kem and Carolyn Gardner Mental Health Crisis Care Center is a timely and crucial addition to the South Salt Lake area. The facility will offer individuals in crisis the support, care, and resources they need, giving hope and making it easier to navigate the path to recovery.
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