Mental Health

New Behavioral Health Facility Opens in Mahoning Valley

Mercy Health has opened a new mental health hospital in Mahoning Valley, Ohio, aiming to address significant gaps in mental health care. The facility, spanning 61,900 square feet, features 72 patient beds and is designed to support various behavioral health challenges.

Addressing the Need for Mental Health Services

The necessity for such a facility was first recognized in 2019, as the region identified substantial deficiencies in mental health services. The new hospital is the second specialty facility established by Mercy Health, focusing on behavioral health care. Notably, the facility emphasizes family-centered care, especially targeting the pediatric mental health crisis.

Statistics from 2023 highlight the urgency of the situation; 23% of high school students reported considering suicide, and 9% attempted it. Additionally, 37% felt sad or hopeless. These alarming figures underscore the importance of increased inpatient capacity and crisis intervention resources.

Comprehensive Services and Facilities

The hospital offers a range of services designed to cater to diverse age groups, including seniors, adults, and adolescents. The facility provides inpatient care and features community areas and courtyards to promote healing and well-being. With a 50% increase in available inpatient beds, the hospital is better equipped to meet the rising demand for mental health services.

Family-friendly design elements, such as sensory spaces, are integral to the facility's architecture, ensuring a supportive environment for patients and their families. The therapeutic programming and evidence-based treatments are tailored to promote healing, safety, and dignity.

24-Hour Crisis Support and Resources

The new facility also provides 24-hour walk-in crisis care, enhancing accessibility for those in immediate need. The Assessment, Referral, Consultation Service phone line is available for guidance, and the Stabilization Mobile Response program can be accessed via the 988 hotline. Additionally, crisis hotlines are available at 801-587-3000 and 833-372-3388, offering vital suicide prevention resources.

This initiative aligns with the broader trend of increasing behavioral health programs, which have expanded by 78% over the past five years. The emphasis on family-centered care is pivotal in addressing the complex needs of individuals and their support networks.

Collaboration and Employment

The establishment of this hospital is a result of a partnership between Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) and Universal Health Services. Located at 1755 Macada Road, the 144-bed facility employs over 300 full-time professionals dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health care.

Rob Allen, a key figure in the initiative, has highlighted the importance of children's health, reinforcing the facility's commitment to pediatric mental health services. The hospital's design and operation reflect a commitment to offering therapeutic environments that prioritize patient safety and dignity.

“The opening of this facility marks a significant step forward in providing essential mental health services to the Mahoning Valley community,” said Rob Allen. “By focusing on family-centered care and increasing accessibility to critical resources, we are better positioned to address the mental health needs of our youth and broader community.”

The new mental health hospital in Mahoning Valley represents a crucial development in the region's healthcare landscape. By enhancing inpatient capacity and providing round-the-clock crisis support, the facility aims to make substantial strides in addressing the mental health challenges faced by the community.