DuPage Co. Health Department cuts the ribbon on all new crisis recovery center in Wheaton

WHEATON, Ill. – Federal, state and local officials gathered in DuPage County on Wednesday morning to cut the ribbon on an all-new crisis recovery center.

The DuPage County Board and DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) will soon open the doors to what they are calling a first-of-its-kind facility designed to provide mental health crisis services to youth and adults.

The new center, located in Wheaton, will be able to serve up to 42 people at a time and about 15,000 people each year. 

The facility will be equipped with a staff of about 160 specialists for behavioral, mental health and substance use and will offer 24/7 support for individuals experiencing a mental health or substance abuse crisis.

Officials say the goal of the new facility is to reduce unnecessary hospital and emergency room visits and reduce interactions with law enforcement that put a strain on public resources or are often not well-suited to address a behavioral health crisis.

Family members, first responders, or individuals will be able to bring those experiencing a crisis to the site, where they will be screened and cared for. 

In order to accommodate all patients, the facility is split into three units: youth, adult mental health, and adult substance use stabilization. 

The investment is a partnership between the county, state and federal grants. 

Their estimated annual operating expenses of $7.5 million will be supported by direct billing, grant writing and funding, the DuPage County health department operating budgetand supplemental private fundraising.

The new facility is set to open to the public on Sept. 2.