EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the first of a two-part series on the future use of the old Ellinwood hospital building. Today’s story focuses on some background and the need for crisis intervention. The second article will concentrate on veterans’ needs.
While local behavioral-health and medical professionals have laid the groundwork for use of the former Ellinwood hospital building, they recently took a major step to take the project from the drawing board to reality.
The dual-purpose project entails a Crisis Intervention Center and transitional housing for veterans who need a helping hand. The Ellinwood Hospital & Clinic has discussed donating the vacant building to The Center for Counseling & Consultation.
Lange Construction, Wichita, is conducting a feasibility study and the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University is performing a needs assessment.
Lange provides consulting services, along with the assessment of mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems, said Wendy Lockwood, executive director of The Center.
“They are also analyzing the structural integrity of the building, and addressing safety and environmental issues,” Lockwood added. “Some very preliminary drawings also will be available.
“In addition, Lange will make recommendations about the use of space, regulatory compliance and cost management.”
The Docking Institute’s assessment will focus on the estimated number of people who will use the facility and the overall need of our area for voluntary and nonvoluntary admissions.
“Docking representatives gather this information by talking with local and area law-enforcement officials, hospital personnel and other stakeholders.
“We anticipate favorable results of these studies so that we can take the next steps for this very important project,” Lockwood commented. “Crisis intervention must be addressed in our area, and our veterans sometimes need immediate and local support.”Lockwood noted she has “a passion for serving vets. My son is an Army sergeant who has been deployed abroad and my family is involved with veterans’ causes. It is gratifying to be able to join forces with community partners to care for veterans and those struggling with behavioral health.”
Crisis intervention
“Right now, there is a waiting list of up to 12 people in our area who need services at Larned State Hospital,” Lockwood noted. “These individuals are waiting for the care they deserve, but sadly, sometimes their only option is the emergency room. They also wind up under the supervision of law enforcement.
“This is certainly not the best use of our emergency rooms and law-enforcement officers. Our goal is to provide another option with quick access to care and treatment with a round-the-clock staff of behavioral-health providers.”
Behavioral-health crises entail any number of concerns. Sometimes these concerns are new and sometimes they are escalating. There also could be the risk of suicide.
“The priority is to prevent a trip to the emergency room and/or jail,” Lockwood said. “Instead, we want to offer a safe place as quickly as possible. If we can care for people early, we have the opportunity to de-escalate the problem. Our therapists and medical professionals can help those who are struggling by assessing the situation and responding accordingly.”
Lockwood emphasized that The Center couldn’t tackle this comprehensive project alone. Its partners include Ellinwood Hospital & Clinic and the Fort Zarah Veteran’s Group. As the project moves forward, involving other community stakeholders will be essential, she said.
“I can’t tell you how much we appreciate everything our partners are doing,” Lockwood said. “They demonstrate a true commitment to serving veterans and those with behavioral-health issues.
“We want to be a good Ellinwood neighbor and responsible caretaker of this property that has been in the community for many years,” she added.
More background
The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) awarded The Center a $100,000 grant for the feasibility study, needs assessment and staff time involved in the project.
“This grant demonstrates KDADS’ efforts to explore crisis-intervention services for area residents,” Lockwood said. “We are gratified to be working with state officials who understand the importance of caring for our neighbors.
“And, of course, we appreciate the work by Lange Construction and the Docking Institute. Both entities have experience with this type of project and are aware of the state regulations involved. We are very fortunate that they are helping with these crucial first steps on this project.”
The Center for Counseling & Consultation, a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, 5815 Broadway in Great Bend, serves Barton, Pawnee, Rice and Stafford counties. Professionally trained personnel offer: individual and group therapy; marriage and family counseling; community-support services; community-based services; psychosocial rehabilitation; peer support; and medication management. The confidential 24/7 crisis hotline number is 800-875-2544
