Palm Beach County, FL — On Tuesday, Palm Beach County commissioners unanimously approved funding for a $60 million mental health and substance use crisis center, a key step in addressing the county’s growing mental health challenges. However, the approval followed a tense and emotional public meeting, leaving many questions about the project’s timeline and long-term sustainability unresolved.
The new facility, which will be managed and operated by the Health Care District of Palm Beach County, is set to provide critical mental health services, including both inpatient and outpatient care, for children and adults. Spanning 60,000 square feet, the facility will offer 24/7 care and primary mental health services, part of a broader effort to reduce the dependence on county jails and emergency mental health interventions, such as the Baker Act.
The approval comes after the Health Care District requested the county honor its 2021 commitment to allocate $10 million from COVID-relief funds toward the project.
A Step Toward Addressing Mental Health Gaps
“This facility is a significant addition to the existing resources in the community,” said Darcy Davis, CEO of the Health Care District. “Our goal is to alleviate pressure on current services so they can continue to serve those in need.”
The mental health crisis facility is part of an ongoing, countywide initiative to improve support for individuals in mental distress. Officials have emphasized the need for such a facility after multiple mental health centers closed in recent years, including the 2019 shutdown of the Jerome Golden Center for Behavioral Health. The closures left a significant gap in services, particularly for residents who rely on emergency interventions and jail-based treatment.
Despite these challenges, the facility’s construction timeline has raised concerns. It is expected to take nearly five years to complete the Central Receiving Facility (CRF), prompting frustration from several county commissioners.
“I find the timeline to be very concerning and unacceptable, given that funding was approved four years ago,” said Commissioner Marci Woodward. “We need this facility as soon as possible, not years down the road.”
In response, county commissioners announced plans for a workshop with the Health Care District and other stakeholders to explore ways to expedite the project and secure additional funding for ongoing operational costs, which are expected to reach $30 million annually.
Personal Stories Highlight Urgency
Tuesday’s meeting also saw emotional testimony from local residents, law enforcement, and health professionals. Many shared personal stories of their struggles with mental health crises exacerbated by the lack of local care options.
Lady Goldwire, a lifelong resident of Palm Beach County, spoke tearfully about her son, Donnell, who had been a standout football player. After the closure of the Jerome Golden Center, Goldwire said her son’s mental health deteriorated, resulting in multiple hospitalizations. Now, he is incarcerated in St. Lucie County Jail, a place Goldwire believes offers the only consistent care for her son’s mental health issues.
“There have been times when I couldn’t find him. He’s been hospitalized 87 times,” Goldwire told commissioners. “Local hospitals have labeled him a drain on their resources.”
State Representative Mike Caruso also spoke about his son’s battle with bipolar schizophrenia, which ultimately led to him being Baker Acted after years of escalating mental health challenges. “That’s the hardest thing for a parent to do: calling the police on your own child,” Caruso said.
Support for the facility was also expressed by law enforcement, including Tony Spatera, assistant chief with the West Palm Beach Police Department. Spatera highlighted the burden on police officers who are often tasked with addressing mental health crises without the necessary resources. “This central receiving facility is absolutely necessary. The revolving door of arrests and emergency department trips is heartbreaking,” he said.
Facility Location and Next Steps
The Health Care District has narrowed down potential locations for the facility to two options: one property in Riviera Beach currently owned by the district, and another private, undeveloped site located north of Southern Boulevard. Both locations are under review for compatibility, environmental considerations, and development feasibility.
“The northern site seems very promising,” said CEO Darcy Davis. A feasibility study will soon be conducted to assess these factors and provide cost estimates for each location.
Once a site is selected, officials are calling for expedited construction permitting to ensure that the project moves forward without delay.
As Palm Beach County continues to grapple with a shortage of mental health resources, the new facility is seen as a critical step in addressing these gaps. However, its delayed timeline and the challenge of securing adequate operational funding remain significant hurdles for both local officials and residents in need of urgent care.
A Long Road Ahead
Despite the significant funding and approval, the journey to opening the facility is far from over. County officials and community leaders continue to express concerns over the length of time it will take to complete the project and the ongoing challenges of providing comprehensive mental health care across the county.
For now, Palm Beach County’s residents and officials are left to hope that the promised resources will materialize in a timely manner — a necessary development for a community that has waited far too long for adequate mental health care.
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