A virtual groundbreaking took place Wednesday for a new adult mental health treatment facility at Baptist Health Richmond. Plans call for an 11-bed inpatient behavioral health service in a converted space at the hospital. Greg Gerard is the president of Baptist Health Richmond. He said care will be rendered to adults 18 and over in the Thrive Center.
“We found ourselves having to transfer people to Corbin, which is our sister facility, or perhaps out of the region, or even at times, out of the state, so as we were seeing this growth in volume coming to the ER, us having to transfer more patients out, we made the decision that this is an endeavor that we needed to pursue,” said Gerard.
Gerard said it’s been about a five-year journey, but the onset of COVID has been a contributing factor in making this decision. He anticipates patients will stay in the Thrive Center for three to five days. The hospital administrator noted his community is experiencing significant mental health challenges.
“And sadly, you know, we’re seeing a lot of patients that come to us, they’re depressed and having suffered from anxiety and they’re having suicidal thoughts. Right? And so, we’re seeing a lot of that, and unfortunately, like I said, today you know we have to send people out of the community, out of the region, for that kind of service that they need,” said Gerard.
Gerard said outpatient mental health care is offered to teens. Gerard added at some point the Thrive Center might include adolescent care.
It’s projected to open by the end of the year.
