Radiant Health Receives $4 Million State Grant for Crisis Stabilization Facility
The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration announced on Tuesday that Radiant Health was one of 15 state Community Mental Health Centers that will share $57 million in grant funding to open crisis stabilization units. Radiant Health will receive $4 million.
A crisis stabilization unit is a designated place where anyone experiencing a mental health or substance abuse crisis can receive immediate services 24 hours a day. Someone can stay at a stabilization unit for up to 23 hours, during which time Radiant Health experts will provide a safe place and perform assessments to determine the best option for the person to receive ongoing treatment.“We’re excited and extremely thankful to the state for this meaningful award,” said Lisa Dominisse, Radiant Health’s President/CEO. “We know this stabilization unit will have a tremendous impact on the people who take advantage of the services and on the community at large. This is a real game-changer for the way Radiant Health serves the community and will increase the close partnerships we have with other organizations to create the best quality of life possible.”
A foundational concept of a stabilization unit is the idea of “no wrong door.” The goal is for the unit to be the primary destination for law enforcement officers, emergency medical services staff, families and individuals who need to speak with someone during a mental health crisis. The unit will accept all people who enter the doors and provide the appropriate services. After consultation the client will receive a personalized roadmap; that roadmap could range from an immediate referral to another facility for treatment or services to being sent home with a follow-up appointment and/or medications.
Radiant Health’s plan is to renovate the first floor of its flagship building at 505 N. Wabash Ave., into the stabilization unit. With the award announcement, construction is expected to begin by the end of the year.
“The stabilization unit will be a safe, welcoming space that will be available for everyone in need of support when they are in crisis. We are excited to be part of this transformation that provides a safe place for help,” said Stacey Lohse, Radiant Health’s Chief Operating Officer. “As we renovate the building and move other parts of our operations, our crisis services, and our Assertive Community Treatment experts, along with our consultation department, will be housed in a central location. That will make it more accessible for people who need services and facilitate better communication among our teams.”
FSSA sought grant applications for crisis stabilization unit proposals as part of a state initiative to bolster the ability of the 24 community mental health centers to serve people in crisis situations. The awards are using money the state received under the American Rescue Plan Act.
“Crisis receiving and stabilization services are critical to providing crisis services,” said Jay Chaudhary, DMHA director. “Currently, too many Hoosiers experiencing a mental health crisis end up in emergency departments or county jails. These grants will help bridge gaps and offer a therapeutic and compassionate alternative pathway for individuals and communities in crisis.”
The 15 awards are for a combination of existing-unit expansion and new-unit creation. The Radiant Health unit will be a new crisis stabilization unit and primarily provide services for residents of Grant, Blackford and Wabash counties.