The project involves the construction of a new 14,000 sq. ft. comprehensive behavioral health emergency room with walk-in assessment, outpatient crisis, 20 bed stabilization unit and a 24 hour observation area. In addition, the project includes the renovation of an existing 14,600 sq. ft. facility constructed in 1955 to provide treatment, education and case management services to clients with severe and persistent mental health issues.

The project services both children and adults with mental health crisis issues that result in involuntary placement into care or “Baker Acted” care. There is documented need for expansion of beds with the Bartow crisis stabilization unit (CSU) operating at emergency status 65% of the time and 45% of the time over licensed capacity. Emergency status is defined as operating at too high a capacity to accept transfers from any other facilities such as law enforcement or local hospital Baker Acted clients. Currently Baker Acted clients are taken to Lakeland Regional Medical Center’s Emergency Room (ER) — one of the busiest ER’s in the state of FL based on the sponsor’s submission.