Renown Regional Medical Center Opens New Crisis Care Center to Address Mental Health Crisis
RENO, Nev. — Renown Regional Medical Center has unveiled its new Crisis Care Center, a vital resource aimed at addressing the mental health crisis in Washoe County. This innovative facility features 10 rooms with beds and 15 lounge chairs, enabling it to accommodate up to 25 patients at a time. All patients must be 18 years of age or older.
Understanding the Need for Crisis Care
Dr. Rahul Mediwala, CEO of Renown Medical Group, underscores the critical need for this resource. “This new center is vital because Nevada ranks near the bottom in terms of mental health resources for those experiencing a crisis,” he stated.
According to Mental Health America’s 2024 ranking, Nevada stands at 45th in the nation for access to mental health care, with one in five adults statewide facing mental health challenges.
Approach and Services Offered
Dr. Takesha Cooper, Chief of Behavioral Health at Renown Regional Medical Center, explained the center’s mission. “Our goal is to conduct a quick assessment of patients, understand their challenges, and then begin problem-solving,” she said.
The center’s team includes licensed clinical social workers, psychiatrists, and psychologists, who will equip patients with evidence-based tools to manage their mental health effectively after leaving the facility.
“We will offer medication assessments, psychiatric medications, substance use treatment, and support for a wide range of mental health crises,” Cooper added.
Personal Stories and Impact
Joaquin Roces, a peer recovery support specialist since 2019, shares his personal journey and commitment to the center’s mission. “My lived experience is crucial to the service I provide to patients,” Roces said. “I believe in their potential to change, just as I did.”
Roces emphasizes the importance of focusing local efforts. “We must concentrate on our specific community and what we can control,” he added.
Comprehensive Range of Mental Health Support
The new facility will address various mental health crises, including anxiety, depression, emotional regulation issues, trauma, PTSD, stress management, grief and loss, self-harming behaviors, suicidal ideation, substance use, and life transitions. While long-term care is not provided, the center will direct patients to appropriate long-term resources.
Funding and Partnerships
Funding for the Crisis Care Center comes from multiple sources, including grants from the Washoe County Emergency Response System, Renown Health, and the University of Nevada School of Medicine.
Conclusion
With the opening of this new Crisis Care Center, Renown Regional Medical Center is taking significant steps to improve mental health support in Washoe County. This strategic investment aims to provide immediate care and equip patients with the tools necessary for long-term recovery.
Email reporter Anthony Ramos at [email protected]. Follow @antramosnews on X and Anthony Ramos on Facebook.
We invite you to share your thoughts on this groundbreaking initiative. Comment below, subscribe to our newsletter, and follow us on social media for more updates.