Lawrence, [Date] – Addressing a critical gap in mental health services for young individuals in Lawrence, a facility aiming to provide comprehensive care has achieved a pivotal endorsement on Wednesday evening.
The Lawrence-Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Commission, in a unanimous decision, granted its approval to the rezoning appeal presented by the Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center. The focus of the approval pertains to the utilization of a 1-acre property located at 3500 Clinton Place.
The edifice, formerly occupied by LMH Health South, is slated to transform into a satellite branch of Bert Nash. The site’s services will encompass medical office spaces, therapy areas, day group therapy, ancillary services, and overnight respite care, as outlined in the agenda for the meeting.
The primary objective of the rezoning application is to allow for overnight stays, primarily aimed at stabilizing children and teenagers facing mental health crises. Presently, Douglas County lacks such a facility, leading families to endure extended waiting periods at LMH Health. Subsequently, the children are redirected to facilities located outside the county, solely based on bed availability.
Patrick Schmitz, CEO of Bert Nash, emphasized the inequities in pediatric care resulting from the absence of such a facility. While the Treatment and Recovery Center is accessible to individuals of all ages, once a child or teenager necessitates an overnight stay, they are compelled to seek services far away, thus disrupting familial involvement in their care.
Schmitz elaborated that the proposed three-level structure will encompass community services, clinic spaces, and psychiatric services on the lower two floors. The third level is designated to function as a crisis intervention and respite care unit, housing six to eight beds, and accommodating stays lasting three to five days.
In addition to this, the center is poised to introduce intensive outpatient programs tailored for young individuals grappling with severe anxiety, depression, and substance use issues. This initiative is unprecedented in Douglas County, as stated by Schmitz.
He articulated, “Our goal is to establish an elevated standard of care within our community.” Schmitz communicated this intent before an abrupt power outage occurred at City Hall.
Expressing enthusiasm for the facility’s proposal, Planning Commission member Pedro Borroto underscored the positive impact it would have on the community. Borroto’s sentiments reflected on the challenges modern youth face, emphasizing his wish for his children to have access to the resources he didn’t during his upbringing.
Remarkably, no members of the public shared commentary during the meeting regarding the rezoning request.
Upon relocating to the Riverfront building, where power was uninterrupted, city staff and commission members posed further inquiries to Schmitz before affirmatively voting in favor of the rezoning petition.
Schmitz addressed concerns by clarifying that nocturnal traffic to and from the facility would be minimal, comparable to the volume experienced during daylight hours at LMH South. He confirmed that public safety apprehensions were negligible, stressing that children and adolescents within the premises would always be accompanied by either staff or parents.
Expressing gratitude, Schmitz conveyed, “We are gratified and appreciative of the Planning Commission’s endorsement of the rezoning application.” He shared this sentiment through an email communication on Wednesday night, describing the achievement as a vital stride towards rendering life-saving services to the youth of the community.
The subsequent step entails presenting the request before the Lawrence City Commission for their deliberation.