Wellstone Emergency Services celebrated the beginning of Alabama’s first pediatric crisis care center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday. The facility, located in South Huntsville, will provide essential mental health care to children and adolescents across North Alabama.

The new 12,000 square-foot, 24-bed unit is a significant addition to the region, which currently lacks inpatient psychiatric care for youth.

The state-of-the-art facility will serve children aged 12 to 18 who are experiencing severe mental health crises, including self-harm, suicidal ideation, substance abuse, severe depression, and anxiety. The center aims to fill a critical gap in mental health services by keeping families closer to home, reducing the need for out-of-county or out-of-state transfers for care.

“Nearly 800 children are transported out of Madison County every year for mental health services, but thanks to this facility, that number will drop,” Governor Kay Ivey said during the ceremony. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, and I’m excited for the weeks ahead as this facility opens its doors and begins serving our children.”

Mental health care is a top priority for my administration.

This morning, I was proud to join for the ribbon cutting of Wellstone’s Emergency Services Pediatric Unit in Huntsville.

I’m proud of our work to ensure that every child has access to the care they need. #alpolitics pic.twitter.com/88bVrPdtAx

— Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) September 19, 2024

The $9 million project’s debut drew a crowd of nearly 200 attendees, including Governor Ivey, Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth, Alabama House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter, and local leaders, including Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle and Madison Mayor Paul Finley.

Wellstone CEO Jeremy Blair spoke to the importance of providing specialized care for young people in crisis. “When you hear stories like that of Ryanne Baker, a mother who had to drive two hours to find the care her child needed in a moment of crisis, it becomes clear there has to be a better way,” Blair said. “We believe this pediatric crisis center is that better way.”

Blair said the new unit builds on Wellstone’s track record in the community. Their adult crisis unit, opened two years ago, has grown from admitting 40 patients per month to 175. Blair expects similar growth for the pediatric unit, as the demand for mental health services continues to rise across the state.