By Megan Pina

Special to The Luverne Journal

South Central Mental Health Center is proud to announce the award of two rural  development loans, to enhance mental health crisis services in the region and state. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) granted approval for the awards earlier in the year.  The funding will enable South Central to construct a new Rural Crisis Center in Brantley, with a projected opening date of May 2026. Operational funding for the Rural Crisis Center will be provided by the Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH). 

The South Central Rural Crisis Center will be a designated place for individuals to walk in, and/or for law  enforcement, first responders and EMS personnel to drop off an individual who is in a mental health or substance use crisis – 24/7/365 days a year. At a center, an individual can receive stabilization, evaluation, psychiatric services and referral to community resources. 

Plans for the South Central Rural Crisis Center mark a significant step in enhancing rural mental health services as it will play a crucial role in the Alabama Crisis System of Care. Governor Kay Ivey and ADMH Commissioner Kimberly Boswell have been supportive in advocating for this initiative, recognizing its  importance in addressing the mental health needs of rural communities and ensuring comprehensive care is accessible to all residents. 

Local community and county officials have also expressed support. 

“We live in a time where mental health issues are more prevalent than ever before,” said the Honorable William Tate, Probate Judge of Crenshaw County. “This facility will provide much needed services for those seeking help. With the support of Governor Ivey, Commissioner Boswell, and the state legislature, we  are making significant strides in improving access to treatment. We are grateful for the confidence  placed in us to establish this crisis facility.”

The Town of Brantley utilized funds available through the Alabama Department of Economic and  Community Affairs (ADECA) and Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) to extend water and sewer services to the project site and construct an access road into the industrial/business park, laying the groundwork for the construction process to begin. The construction of the crisis facility is anticipated to begin October 2024 and is expected to be completed by May 2026. 

South Central Mental Health currently operates a psychiatric urgent care facility in Andalusia that  provides walk-in psychiatric crisis evaluation and intervention services Tuesday to Saturday, 2 to 10 p.m. Recognizing the growing need for continuous crisis support, South Central plans to expand  the facility’s operations to provide 24/7 services, ensuring individuals in mental health crises have  access to immediate care and support at any time of day or night. The urgent care facility will continue to operate until the construction of the crisis facility in Brantley is completed. 

For more information about the South Central Alabama Mental Health Board, Inc. and its services,  please visit https://www.scamhc.org/ or call 334-222-2523. 

The South Central Alabama Mental Health Board, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to  providing individuals living with mental health conditions, developmental disabilities, and substance use  disorders across Butler, Coffee, Covington and Crenshaw counties. Since their establishment in 1968, they have been a cornerstone of care and compassion within the South Central Alabama community, serving approximately 4,500 individuals annually.