Cutting the ribbon on WellStone’s 24/7 Pediatric Unit
It’s a big month for mental health care in North Alabama. Thanks to incredible state and local leaders, along with generous donors, volunteers, and advocates, Huntsville is just days from opening a transformational healthcare facility for our kids.
WellStone, in conjunction with the Governor’s office and the Department of Mental Health, cut the ribbon on the WellStone Emergency Services Pediatric Unit last Thursday. It’s the first of its kind in the state.
The 24-bed, 12,000 square foot crisis care center is expected to fill a significant gap in and around Madison County, which presently has no inpatient psychiatric options for youth. As a result, HEMSI transports some 800 children out-of-county, and sometimes out of state, for appropriate care.
“Thanks to this facility, that number will drop, and Alabama families will be able to get help closer to home,” Governor Kay Ivey told the crowd of 200. “This new pediatric unit, with its thoughtful design and dedicated spaces for healing, learning, and celebrating milestones is going to be a true refuge for young people in crisis.”
A refuge for young people, and a godsend for their parents.
“I am so excited about the pediatric unit at WellStone,” said Ryanne Baker, a former Pediatric Emergency Department nurse whose own daughter was inpatient twice. “I think it’ll be a fantastic resource for our community. It’s going to take a heavy burden off the pediatric E.D. and provide a place for families in crisis to go where they’re not feeling like they’re a burden on the system. It’s where they should be, with people trained and equipped to handle the needs that are unique to children and families in crisis.”
Jeremy Blair, WellStone CEO, understands that the new pediatric unit comes with tremendous challenges. But he also believes in the stellar health care team that will oversee the children’s program.
“We are lucky to have hired Dr. Edgar Finn to serve as the medical director for this unit,” Blair said. “We know Alyssa Perry will do a great job as the unit coordinator under the direction of Paula Steele, our WES Director. These individuals along with the team they have assembled understand the weight of the task, to encounter youth and their families during a time of crisis and offer a resource that could change their path when they leave this building. Our youth deserve this resource and this opportunity to heal and to recover and to live productive lives.”
The $9 million facility was made possible through substantial funding from the State Legislature, Department of Mental Health, and supporters of WellStone’s Be the Rock capital campaign.
“I’m proud of what we have accomplished and I’m even more excited for the weeks ahead as this facility opens its doors and begins serving our children,” the Governor added. “Thank you to everyone who played a role in building this facility and making this vision a reality. Alabama is leading the way, and today we take another step, ensuring that every child has access to the care they need.
WellStone is still raising funds to help cover the gap in construction costs. Readers who would like to help us “Build a strong foundation of connection, compassion, and community for kids in mental health and substance use crisis” can make a secure, tax-deductible donation online here or contact Karen Petersen to explore major gifts and naming opportunities.
To see more photos, please visit our Flickr page.
