St Tammany Parish Government says the need for mental health services in St. Tammany Parish remains substantial. In October 2021, the Safe Haven Crisis Receiving Center (CRC) officially opened its doors.
The CRC, which is designed to provide identification, intervention and stabilization for those in a behavioral health crisis, is the first step towards recovery for someone battling a crisis and gives healthcare professionals, law enforcement and families an alternative to the emergency room or jail.
Start Corporation, who has operated the CRC since its inception, is no longer serving as the operator.
At this time, the CRC is temporarily not accepting patients.
In 2021 alone, nearly 5,000 St. Tammany Parish citizens withstood a mental health crisis. 45 died from suicide.
St Tammany Parish Government said they are disappointed Start Corporation will no longer operate the CRC, but they will continue working to identify improvements to the local behavioral health system.
During this transitional period with the CRC, the rest of the Safe Haven Campus will remain open and operational.
In 2021 approximately 5,830 individuals accessed services on the St. Tammany Campus. Other service providers on the campus include: Florida Parishes Human Services Authority, NAMI St. Tammany and the St. Tammany Parish Public School System.
In the coming days, St. Tammany Parish Government will begin the process to seek out a new operator for the Crisis Receiving Center. They are expecting an expeditious process and look forward to making progress with their new operating partner, which will ultimately save lives in St. Tammany Parish.
