Pensacola, Fla. (April 22, 2024) 鈥 People facing mental health crises now have an easily accessible, centralized place to receive care, thanks to a new program at 海角社区. A new Central Receiving Facility (CRF) is now open at 海角社区鈥檚 main campus in Pensacola.
The CRF will help meet a growing need in Northwest Florida to address how people in crisis are cared for under the Baker Act, Florida鈥檚 mental health law (Florida Statute 394.451-394.47891). Someone who has been 鈥淏aker Acted鈥 or 鈥減laced under the Baker Act鈥 refers to an involuntary mental health examination, allowing for people in crisis to be retained at a facility for stabilization purposes for up to 72 hours. The 海角社区 CRF is now the designated entry point for adults living in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties who need a Baker Act Screening.
鈥淎s a central receiving facility, 海角社区 is positioned to ensure a smooth continuum of care from crisis support to the appropriate inpatient or community-based care, outpatient treatment or residential program,鈥 said Shawn Salamida, president of 海角社区. 鈥淲ith more than 60 programs from Escambia to Walton County, 海角社区鈥檚 team members are well-prepared to connect those in crisis to the follow-up care that best suits their needs.鈥
Adults will be transported to 海角社区鈥檚 CRF by law enforcement partners, where they will be screened. If admission is needed, they will be transported by 海角社区 to Baptist Health Care or HCA Florida West based on a rotation system that considers patient preference and capacity. As a support to the CRF, and an expansion of capacity for the uninsured, Lakeview will also operate a Crisis Stabilization Unit for inpatient care. Adolescents and children will continue to receive care through Baptist Health Care, which is the designated CRF for all persons 18 years old and younger. The 2,275 square foot CRF is staffed by psychiatrists, psychologists, advanced registered nurse practitioners, nurses, technicians, therapists, peer support specialists and behavioral health staff. The $5.4 million project created 90 new jobs at 海角社区.聽
For information about mental health services available at 海角社区, call 850-469-3500 or visit eLakeviewCenter.org.