Collier County is moving forward with the development of the $50 million Collier County Behavioral Health Center, which will feature 87 beds dedicated to addressing mental health crises and substance abuse issues in the community. While infrastructure surtax funds from the county will cover the cost of building the center, an additional $8.4 to $9 million is needed to support daily operations and one-time costs for essential furniture, fixtures, and equipment.
In response to this funding gap, the David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health (DLC), a 56-year-old nonprofit, has rolled out a $28 million naming rights campaign designed to attract local donors. The campaign, part of the broader Hope for Collier: Building Stronger Minds Together initiative, aims to secure contributions from the philanthropic community to support the mental health center’s operational needs and ensure its long-term sustainability.
Key Naming Opportunities
The $28 million in naming opportunities is divided into two primary categories:
$15 million for the building’s name.
$13 million for other significant areas within the facility, including:
- Lobby
- Suicide-prevention office
- Therapeutic wings
- Meditation rooms
- Event rooms
Outdoor holistic areas
By offering these opportunities, DLC hopes to inspire local donors to contribute to the mental health infrastructure of Collier County and ensure that the facility is equipped to meet the growing demand for mental health services.
Collaboration and Community Support
The DLC is partnering with several key stakeholders in the project, including the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, DeAngelis Diamond Construction, RG Architects, and HuntonBrady Architects—a healthcare design specialist. The involvement of the county government is crucial, as it provides ongoing operational support for the mental health center.
Currently, about 70% of DLC’s clients are underinsured, with 20% lacking any income, making it essential for the nonprofit to secure additional funding to bridge the gap. County funding currently covers about 10% of DLC’s budget, while the rest is raised through state, federal, and donor contributions.
Addressing Mental Health Crisis in Collier County
The new center is designed to provide a central-receiving center for individuals in crisis under the Baker Act and Marchman Act. The Baker Act allows for the involuntary examination and temporary hospitalization of individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, while the Marchman Act provides for voluntary or involuntary commitment for individuals struggling with substance abuse.
By serving as a centralized facility for mental health services, the new behavioral health center will ease pressure on the Collier County jail, which has been operating as the largest mental health facility in the area. Sheriff Kevin Rambosk emphasized that 63% of inmates at the jail require mental health or behavioral services, underscoring the urgent need for a dedicated facility.
Operational and Funding Challenges
The construction of the center is funded through the 1-cent infrastructure surtax, approved by voters in 2018. While the surtax generated over $490 million, it is only sufficient to cover the construction costs of the center. The remaining $4.4 million to $5 million required for furniture, fixtures, and equipment cannot be funded through the surtax, nor can the estimated $4 million in annual operating costs.
DLC’s CEO, Scott Burgess, outlined the challenge of securing the necessary funds to support the center’s operation. Despite the $7.7 million in revenue DLC generated in fiscal year 2024, it faced a $10.1 million deficit in behavioral health services. As the new center is expected to triple DLC’s capacity to serve Collier County’s population, operational costs will rise significantly, with projected annual losses expected to increase to $6.4 million by 2032.
Community Support and Future Sustainability
As the new mental health center takes shape, county commissioners are expressing concerns about the capacity of DLC’s naming rights campaign to fill the funding gap. Commissioner Bill McDaniel Jr. voiced his concerns about the ability to raise enough funds to offset the operational shortfall and prevent additional costs from falling back on the taxpayers. However, Vice Chair Burt Saunders recommended completing the naming-rights agreement and further discussions on operating expenses to ensure a sustainable financial model.
Commissioners will vote on the construction contract in January, and DLC will continue working with the county to finalize the details of the operational and funding strategies for the center.
Strategic Partnerships for Long-Term Impact
The development of the Collier County Behavioral Health Center represents a significant step toward addressing the community’s increasing mental health needs. By working in partnership with local government, businesses, and philanthropists, DLC aims to build a holistic, comprehensive facility that will provide much-needed services to residents in crisis. The involvement of various key stakeholders is a testament to the strong community commitment to addressing mental health challenges and ensuring the success of this vital project.
Key Takeaways:
- Naming Rights: $28 million in naming opportunities to secure additional funding for the behavioral health center.
- Funding Gaps: The $50 million construction cost is covered by the county’s surtax, but an additional $8.4 to $9 million is needed for operational costs and furniture/equipment.
- Community Involvement: The project has strong community backing, including the Sheriff’s Office and local businesses.
- County’s Role: The county partnership is essential, but commissioners are focused on securing sufficient ongoing funding to prevent further taxpayer burdens.
- Impact: The center will serve as a critical resource for those in mental health crises, helping to reduce the burden on the county jail and provide life-saving services for underserved populations.
This innovative approach to funding, coupled with the community’s support, represents a critical investment in mental health infrastructure for Collier County, offering hope for a healthier future for all residents.
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