Throughout the pandemic we have seen a rise in those struggling with acute symptoms of mental health disorders. A recent 2020 report from Mental Health America estimated that 47 million Americans now struggle with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) — an increase of 4 million people since a 2018 report was released.
To address the urgent needs of these individuals and families, healthcare providers Geisinger and Acadia Healthcare Company have teamed up to expand behavioral health services in Central and Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Investing approximately $80 million into the joint venture, two new freestanding inpatient behavioral health facilities will be constructed in Moosic and Danville, aiming to provide a level of care previously unseen in these regions, especially for children and adolescents. With plans to break ground in Fall of 2021 and early 2022, both behavioral health facilities are expected to create roughly 200 new jobs by 2024.
The partnership stems from both companies’ commitment to quality care, strong clinical outcomes and their successful track record of collaborating with numerous premier health systems. This venture gives Geisinger an opportunity to consolidate inpatient behavioral health programs from Geisinger Medical Center, Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital and Geisinger Community Medical Center into the two facilities — allowing these vacated units to be repurposed for additional capacity and private rooms.
“At Geisinger, we are setting out to make better health easier for the communities we serve. This joint venture was a natural fit based on a shared commitment to identifying behavioral health needs in the community and partnering to bring world-class care close to home for everyone who needs it in Central and Northeastern Pennsylvania.” — Jaewon Ryu, MD, JD, President and CEO of Geisinger
With Geisinger hospitals nearby in Danville, Scranton and Plains Township, both facilities will be easily accessible to occupants throughout the entire Central and Northeastern Pennsylvania regions.
“We look forward to collaborating with Geisinger to create these two state-of-the-art, patient-centered facilities that will provide hope and healing for those in need. The increased bed availability and freestanding structures will enable us to care for more patients who require these critical services to help meet the growing need for inpatient behavioral healthcare in these communities,” said Debbie Osteen, CEO of Acadia Healthcare.
Information provided by Business Wire.