Lorain County Crisis Recovery Center will help struggling people

The Lorain County Crisis Recovery Center is going to help — and maybe save lives of — people struggling with some form of a mental health or addiction crisis.

The Mental Health, Addiction & Recovery Services Board of Lorain County, in partnership with Riveon Mental Health and Recovery, introduced the new state-of-the-art facility during a ribbon-cutting Sept. 25. It’s the first facility of its kind in the county to provide a place for those in a mental health or addiction crisis to immediately receive care and support 24/7.

No other such facility existed in Lorain County, and this is a welcome addition.

It’s no surprise that the ribbon-cutting was widely attended by many supporters of the project including Lorain County commissioners, state representatives, local organizations, local law enforcement, health care partners and others.

Michael Doud, executive director of the MHARS Board of Lorain County, was delighted to welcome guests to 6130 S. Broadway in Lorain for a truly special moment.

Doud told those in attendance that the Crisis Recovery Center will have a much different vision for how Lorain County will provide behavioral health care.

Doud recognizes that there is a lot of work that needs to be done to address people who are struggling.

However, as a collaborative, the MHARS Board and Riveon are going to work to address the problems faced by many in the county.

The goal is a good one.

That is to ensure that no one in need of mental health or addiction services is turned away.

Although there are providers who offer crisis services, they are segmented throughout the county with some specializing in mental health services and others in addiction without a designated entry point for those in crisis to access emergency services.

The Crisis Recovery Center will solve that problem with a clear path to access mental health and addiction services.

Lorain County leaders have indicated that the Crisis Recovery Center will use a modern approach to crisis care.

The facility features 32 beds among two separate units to help those facing a mental health or addiction crisis, a behavioral health urgent care model and can ensure individuals receive up to 23 hours of stabilization.

The first floor center, named the Bass Pavilion, will hold 16 beds for those needing assistance while facing a mental health crisis.

The Legacy LifeShare Pavilion on the second floor will support those in an addiction crisis with support like detoxing.

The Crisis Response Center will serve as an interception point for those who might be otherwise taken to an emergency room or jail to receive real support and resources to move forward.

Don Schiffbauer, CEO of Riveon Mental Health and Recovery, points out that the Crisis Recovery Center is not just a center; it’s a bold reimagining of how the agencies will deliver urgent and emergent behavioral health care.

What is good to know is that the care at the Crisis Recovery Center is going to be immediate, the staff will show compassionate and it will be expertly delivered.

The ceremony featured a dedication of the Sally Port Entryway to honor fallen Lorain police Officer Phillip C. Wagner, which was recognized by Tim Barfield, a member of MHARS Board of Directors.

With support from Wagner’s sister-in-law Kasie Tillman, Barfield recognized that Wagner was a valued member of the MHARS Board community, and that he showed his dedication through his service and continuous uplifting of families in difficult moments.

Wagner died in a July 23 ambush shooting that also left two other Lorain officers injured.

Barfield pointed out that this entrance, a place where first responders will bring individuals in crisis, will serve as a lasting reminder of Wagner’s courage, his kindness and his steadfast commitment to protecting and uplifting others.

And, Wagner’s legacy will live on at the Crisis Recovery Center, and every life touched and every person who finds hope in every step toward recovery.

It is also important to remember that many individuals in crisis unfortunately end up in the care of law enforcement or in jail.

Rather than tasking the justice system and law enforcement officers with treating people who are struggling with medical behavioral health conditions, those who are non­violent offenders will have an appropriate alternative to arrest or emergency room visits with access to the Crisis Recovery Center.

Stakeholders believe this new approach will reduce the number of persons with mental illness in jails and demonstrate this community’s commitment as a stepping-up community.

The Lorain County Crisis Recovery Center is an asset to the community.