The Dunham Fund is proud to partner with Presence Mercy Medical Center/Amita Health to build a new, innovative mental health unit within the main hospital. The Behavior Health Crisis Stabilization Unit, is a calm, safe, therapeutic environment created for individuals presenting at the hospital in a mental health crisis. It is located close to the Emergency Department where specialized care is easily accessible but removes them from the upsetting environment frequently witnessed inside the Emergency Department. The $400,000 grant will be paid over a two year time period.
With over 5,750 behavioral health assessments provided in 2017, Presence Mercy Medical Center is anticipating that the Behavior Health Crisis Stabilization Unit will help decrease the number of behavioral health patients admitted to the Emergency Department by 70%, as well as decrease the throughput time for behavioral health patients (the time elapsed from admission to discharge).