Daily Herald opinion: ‘Incredibly encouraging’: Crisis Recovery Center making a positive impact in DuPage County
A new Crisis Recovery Center in DuPage County provided accessible behavioral health care to more than 700 people during its first four months of operation.
The $25.8 million facility, which opened Sept. 2 on the grounds of the DuPage County Health Department in Wheaton, offers 24/7 immediate help for individuals experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis.
During a presentation last week for the DuPage County Board, Adam Forker, executive director of the county health department, said numbers show that the facility is off to “a strong start.”
“The early signs are incredibly encouraging,” Forker said. “The team is delivering exactly the kind of responsive care our community members deserve in their greatest moments of need.”
The center serves as an alternative to hospital emergency rooms or law enforcement intervention.
Family members, individuals and first responders can bring those experiencing a crisis to the center, where they are screened and cared for by trained mental health and substance use professionals. They are then connected to community resources for continued support.
According to county health officials, 745 on-site assessments were completed at the center from the day it opened through the end of December. The total includes 139 young people.
Lori Carnahan, deputy executive director of the county health department, said the number of youth served is significant because, traditionally, young people have infrequently sought crisis services from the health department.
“So that's really great to see that they are realizing there is a new place to go and receive the treatment that they need,” Carnahan said.
Roughly 61% of the people who went to the center for an on-site assessment either came in on their own or were brought in by a family member. Clients also came from towns throughout the county.
Carnahan said 95% of the individuals who received assessments went home with a plan for additional services and care. Only 2% needed to go through an emergency room.
While there have been positive outcomes for clients, officials are making progress in ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of the Crisis Recovery Center itself.
Forker said officials are pursuing several strategies, including fundraising. Last year, the nonprofit DuPage Health Matters foundation raised more than $535,000. And two 708 boards — also known as community mental health boards at the township level — have awarded grants to the center.
County board members and health department officials in DuPage came together to make the Crisis Recovery Center a reality. And it’s a good thing they had. If the early numbers are a sign of what’s next, the facility will be widely used by the community and help improve the lives of many people for years to come.