Medical Center of South Arkansas Expands Access to Behavioral Health Services
10/18/2022
El DORADO, Ark. Sept. 30, 2022 – Mental health services for adults in southern Arkansas are now available thanks to a new behavioral health unit (BHU) at the Medical Center of South Arkansas. The 11,700 square-foot unit is equipped with ligature free furnishings, weighted furniture and centrally controlled mechanical systems to provide patients 18 and older seeking high-quality behavioral health services with a welcoming and comfortable environment.
Hospital employees, elected officials and community leaders celebrated the grand opening of the 18-bed behavioral health unit on Friday, September 30. Attendees were also able to take a tour of the space designed to support patient care and healing.
“Our goal is to provide treatment to adults with a wide range of acute psychiatric issues so they can return to their community with improved function,” says Dr. Althea Conley, psychiatrist at Medical Center of South Arkansas.
The Medical Center of South Arkansas behavioral health unit will provide patients with psychiatrists, medical physicians, advanced practice nurses, clinical therapists, psychiatric nurses, social workers, case managers, recreational therapists, medical, pharmacy, dietary and spiritual support staff. Conditions that can be treated include major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder one and two, schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.
“Behavioral health services play a vital role in the well-being of our community as they help people overcome mental illness. Our investment is for both individuals and families looking to ensure support, which will provide care where it's needed most,” says David Fox, chief executive officer of Medical Center of South Arkansas.
A 2019 community assessment conducted by local healthcare providers, law enforcement and state officials along with other community stakeholders determined a large gap in behavioral and mental-health services available in south Arkansas. Responding to the community’s need, MCSA embarked on the $3.5 million project to establish the unit which now offers much needed important mental health resources to south Arkansas and its residents.
To learn more about behavioral health services at the Medical Center of South Arkansas, visit themedcenter.net/behavioral-health-services or call (870) 863-2000.
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