ALABAMA’S SIXTH CRISIS CENTER OPENS
SpectraCare Crisis Care Center in Dothan: Serving 20 Counties across central and southeast Alabama
Dothan, Ala. – Today, Governor Kay Ivey joined the Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH), and SpectraCare Health Systems for an exclusive look at the state’s newest Crisis Center with a ribbon cutting reception and tour. Serving 20 counties across central Alabama, the SpectraCare Crisis Care Center in Dothan is designed to support individuals facing a mental health or substance use crisis and is an integral part of the Alabama’s Crisis System of Care.
Governor Kay Ivey said, “The opening of the SpectraCare Crisis Center marks another major step forward in strengthening mental health care in Alabama. With six crisis centers now in place statewide, I am proud of our commitment to expanding access to care and saving lives. I am glad to celebrate this important step forward and know the SpectraCare Crisis Center will have a lasting impact on central Alabama.”
Since 2020, Governor Ivey and the Alabama Legislature have invested in the establishment of Crisis Centers across the state. The Crisis Centers, which are open 24/7, 365 days a year, have increased access to care, saved lives and assisted thousands in beginning their journey of recovery. Over the last four years, more than 16,000 Alabamians have visited the Crisis Centers, receiving care for a mental health, substance use or suicidal crisis.
“The SpectraCare Crisis Center is such an important addition to the Alabama Crisis System of Care,” said Kimberly Boswell, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Mental Health. “The life-saving combination of services at SpectraCare will contribute to improving lives of Alabamians in the region.”
Under the leadership of Melissa Kirkland, Chief Executive Officer of SpectraCare Health Systems, the facility will include 15 temporary observation beds with a 23-hour maximum length of stay and 12 extended observation beds, accommodating individuals for one to seven days.
Once patients are stabilized, the Crisis Center team work directly with community partners and hospitals to coordinate appropriate aftercare services.
“The opening of SpectraCare’s Crisis Center has been a vision of our Board of Directors and Executive Team for decades. We appreciate the commitment and tireless dedication Governor Ivey, Commissioner Boswell and our state and community leadership have made to improve mental health care in our region.
No doubt, the full continuum of Crisis Services offered inside this facility will offer early intervention, treatment and recovery for individuals and families in our communities,” said Kirkland.
Beginning February 17, SpectraCare Crisis Center will be operational and open 24/7/365, providing an array of crisis services and related programs. For more information, please visit https://spectracare.org/.
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About SpectraCare Health Systems
SpectraCare Health Systems, Inc. is an integrated health care system that is purposeful in working to deliver services that are vital and tailored to the needs of those served. SpectraCare is a 501(c) 3 organization committed to providing services and identifying resources that will promote positive consumer, family, and provider relationships. The heart of SpectraCare Health Systems, Inc. exists to serve individuals, families and communities by encouraging wellness, promoting recovery and inspiring hope.
About Alabama Department of Mental Health
The Alabama Department of Mental Health serves approximately 200,000 Alabama citizens with mental illnesses, developmental and intellectual disabilities, and substance use disorders. The department strives to Serve, Empower, and Support while promoting the health and well-being of Alabamians. Visit www.mh.alabama.gov for more information.