A Welcoming Haven for Mental Health Crisis Support
Initial Open House and Community Need
Munson Healthcare held an open house for their new center in Traverse City. The identified gap in the community was the lack of a specific place for people in crisis to go. This has placed a strain on emergency departments. The center aims to fill this void and provide a welcoming and free space for anyone in need.Laura Glenn, Munson Healthcare's Chief Operating Officer, emphasized the importance of such a facility. "The gap that was identified was not really having a place to go when someone’s in crisis. So, in our community, that has a lot of strain on our emergency departments. What we’re trying to create in the center is really a place to go."
Specialization in Mental Health Care
Terri Kelty, Munson Healthcare's Behavioral Health Director, highlighted the significance of mental health care within whole-person healthcare. "Mental health care is a significant part of whole-person health care. We’re going to specialize in the mental health care piece of overall health care. So, the staff here is highly trained, trauma informed. The place itself is set up for mental health care."The center is designed to offer a unique environment. As Glenn said, "We designed this to not necessarily feel like a clinical setting. We have living room models and really large open spaces with windows really looking out over wooded areas. It really is intended to be a very soothing calming physical location."
Funding and Collaboration
Munson received $5 million of ARPA funds from Grand Traverse County and a $5 million grant from Michigan Hospital Association to make the center possible. Glenn stated, "This effort was truly a collaboration with a number of organizations and individuals in the community. I think it really makes it so special and it really is such a special resource for our community."Opening Phases and Services
The center is set to open in phases. It will open to the public on January 5 operating Sunday through Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., offering behavioral health assessments and crisis services. On July 1, it will begin operating on a 24-7 schedule. In the summer, a nine-bed adult crisis residential unit will open, and in the fall, a six-bed pediatric crisis residential unit will follow.Kelty emphasized the importance of having this service available. "When you have that really great piece of crisis service in your community, you can really help people avoid needing in-patient psychiatric care. You can help them stop maybe a cycle of crisis."
The center is welcoming and free for anyone who needs it. As Kelty said, "If they’re in a crisis and come here, they’re welcomed. Doesn’t matter their age, doesn’t matter their insurance. What matters is that we’re here to help them."