Officials break ground in Willmar this morning for a new child and adolescent mental health hospital to replace an outdated facility run by the state Human Services Department. State Representative Dave Baker says it’s a “brand new 16-bed mental health facility for our sickest of the kids who need help, not only to prevent hurting themselves or others, but just really to be dealing with some pretty serious stuff.” The 10-million-dollar, 18-thousand-square-foot facility will employ about 30 staff. It’s expected to open in 2020.
State Human Services Commissioner Tony Lourey says the new facility will be safer for patients and staff with a more comfortable atmosphere, plus provide more privacy and dignity for young people and their families.