EASLEY: Exciting Changes on the Horizon for Mental Health Care
It’s an exciting time for Easley as Prisma Health has unveiled its plans to replace the aging Marshall I. Pickens Hospital with a brand-new facility that promises to enhance mental health care in the area. Can you believe this historic hospital, which first opened its doors in 1967, is getting a makeover? But it’s not just a simple upgrade; we’re talking about a whopping $137 million investment in a state-of-the-art psychiatric hospital!
A New Beginning
The proposed new building will sit on a sprawling 48-acre site at the intersection of Old Easley Bridge Road and S.C. Highway 153. It’s designed to be a beacon of hope for those in need of mental health support, with plans for 72 adult beds and another 40 set aside specifically for children and adolescents. And here’s the kicker: it will even have an assessment office, allowing for direct admissions to help divert patients from the busy emergency rooms. Talk about community care!
Why the Change?
It turns out that the current Marshall Pickens Hospital is quite literally showing its age. Prisma’s application explains that the facility has become “space constrained, past its end of life, and not situated for long-term viability.” Not to mention, they’ve been spending time and money transporting patients to other facilities. Yikes! So, this new hospital isn’t just about shiny new walls; it’s about providing practical solutions to enhance patient care.
A Journey of Persistence
Now, you might be wondering why it’s taken so long to get to this point. Well, Prisma has tried to replace the hospital twice in recent years. There was an ambitious $64 million plan back in 2016, which faced numerous delays and was ultimately denied in 2018. Then, after the health system rebranded to Prisma, they floated another proposal in 2018 but had to hit the brakes to focus on raising wages for their valued employees.
Why Now?
Fast forward to 2024, and Prisma is ready to tackle a growing public health concern. Mental health services are rapidly becoming vital for our communities, with a projected annual increase of 6% in patient discharges. Last year alone, they reported 1,666 discharges, which ticked up to 1,824 this year. It’s clear that the demand is there, and Prisma aims to meet it head-on with their new facilities.
Looking Ahead
If all goes well and their certificate of need gets approved by the state, we could see this new behavioral hospital become a reality by March 2027. The project’s timeline shows that if all the stars align, construction could kick off shortly after regulatory approvals.
What’s Next?
Any local residents eager to voice their opinions will have a chance during the 90-day public comment period that began on October 25. If you feel strongly about this vital community resource, you have until November 24 to submit requests for a public hearing. You can find more details by calling (803) 545-4200 or shooting them an email at coninfo@dph.sc.gov.
Final Thoughts
For those of us living in or near Easley, this project represents a hopeful future for mental health care. As Prisma works toward the realization of this vision, we can only hope it will have a profound impact on our community, providing vital services to those who need it most. Stay tuned for updates because this is just the beginning!
