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Contact: Carolyn Marinan, Communications, 612-348-5969

County services to expand for people in mental, chemical health crises

Hennepin County will expand assistance for people experiencing acute alcohol intoxication or mental health crises.

The county board voted Tuesday to approve a renovation project at the county-owned 1800 Chicago Avenue, which already houses chemical health services space.

Two programs in one location

The withdrawal management program will expand the current 50-bed detox space to 65 beds and create two levels of care. The programs will offer both clinically managed and medically monitored withdrawal care. Average stays for more than one-third of clients is expected to decrease from two days to one. The total remodeled space will include 5,900 square feet for detox.

The mental health crisis program will offer a 16-bed residential stabilization unit. This program will provide an alternative to expensive hospital placements and will redirect low-level offenders who need mental health care away from jail. The remodeled space will measure 8,300 square feet on the facility’s second floor.

More opportunities for innovation

“These efforts are a significant step forward and present opportunities for further innovation,” said Leah Kaiser, area manager for Adult Behavioral Health. “We are optimistic that these efforts, along with other, related strategies, will improve outcomes for many people over time. However, more work remains toward resolving significant barriers to recovery and well-being.” 

The total cost of the renovation is $4 million. Additional funding comes from the 2015-2019 Capital Improvement Program for the 1800 Chicago Withdrawal Management and Mental Health Crisis Stabilization Project.

Construction is expected to be completed by September 2017. 

Learn more about the project. 

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Look for more news on the Hennepin County website at www.hennepin.us/news.