Alabama is taking steps to provide improved community mental healthcare services with the opening of the WellStone Emergency Services Crisis Center, according to a Sept. 12 news release.
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey joined Huntsville community leaders at the grand opening on Sept. 19, according to a report from WHNT. She said the new facility will reduce stress on the system.
"It will aid jails and hospitals throughout the state by alleviating the burden of having to house and care for individuals in need of mental health services," Ms. Ivey said.
The new facility is part of the Alabama Crisis System of Care, which aims to bring mental health resources to every part of the state. The facility offers group meeting rooms, counseling rooms, and 16 bedrooms. WellStone CEO Jeremy Blair told WHNT it is time to take mental health seriously.
"We can no longer separate our mental health from our physical health, they are so one-in-the-same. When we neglect our mental health, eventually we’re going to neglect our physical health and so we’ve got to do a better job of understanding and realizing that," said Mr. Blair.