While Collier County continues to face the worst mental health and substance use crisis in its history, my heart is filled with hope as work begins on the Collier County Behavioral Health Center. Located near David Lawrence Centers’ main campus, this incredibly impactful community project will advance and positively transform how behavioral health care is delivered to those in need throughout our community.
This project has been highly anticipated for quite some time, with the Collier Board of County Commissioners identifying the construction of a central receiving center as the No. 1 priority in its first-ever strategic plan for mental health and addiction services. Over 8 years, our elected leaders heard from community members about the needs, worked closely with David Lawrence Centers to address concerns, and ultimately voted on June 10 to approve a partnership agreement with DLC, moving this important project forward. As a mental health advocate, I am profoundly grateful for the support of Commission Chairman Burt Saunders, Commissioner Dan Kowal, and Commissioner Rick LoCastro. Their leadership has been pivotal in ensuring individuals across our community have access to the transformational behavioral health care they need and deserve.
For too long, our community has grappled with the silent struggles of those facing mental health and substance use challenges. The Collier County Behavioral Health Center is designed to be a cornerstone in our fight against the ongoing crisis facing our community…