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In May, construction will begin on the expansion of the Children’s Crisis Stabilization Unit. The project will add four additional beds to our campus bringing the total bed capacity to eight for children and adolescents in need of emergency mental health care. The renovation will also allow for an expanded dining area. The cost of the project will be $250,000.

The Adult Crisis Unit was expanded in 2012, at which time the children’s unit was also renovated. Later that same year, the tragic Sandy Hook school shooting occurred. Since that time there has been a consistent vigilant focus on children’s mental health and an increased awareness of the benefits of early intervention.  As a result, DLC has seen a dramatic increase in referrals for admission to the children’s unit. Since fiscal year 2011, the average daily census has increased by 207% and 48% in the last year alone. Clearly this expansion is critical to meet the demand, prevent adolescent suicide and adequately care for children experiencing a mental health crisis in our community.

Several projects are planned to the expand children’s services continuum as spelled out in the 2020 Vision strategic plan. In order to be the leader in pediatric behavioral health in Southwest Florida, the plan specifically calls for a focus on early identification, screening and assessment through the implementation of additional evidence-based practices, technologies, holistic treatments and new children’s intensive services as well as expansion of facilities.

Fundraising is critical to support these initiatives. You can make a donation online or contact Director of Constituent Relations Darcy Taylor at 239-354-1419 for more information.