Rosecrance opens behavioral health urgent care center in Champaign County

The community got its first look inside the new Rosecrance Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center during a recent open house at Rosecrance on Moreland, where community members, local leaders and representatives from area organizations toured the newly remodeled facility.

The center was developed to provide immediate support for individuals experiencing mental health or substance use crises and serves as an alternative to hospital emergency departments and law enforcement response.

The project was made possible in part by federal funding secured by U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, whose support was instrumental in bringing the facility to fruition. Rosecrance leaders recognized Durbin’s efforts to expand access to behavioral health services in the region.

“When Rosecrance told me that they wanted to construct a new Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center to be readily accessible and provide emergency mental health care for those in crisis, I said, ‘sign me up,’” U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin said. “I secured a $1 million earmark to help bring this new triage center to life. It may be modest in size, but its impact will be felt by thousands of residents in the region.”

The open house marked a significant milestone in addressing growing behavioral health needs in Champaign County and surrounding communities.

Across the country, emergency departments and police agencies have increasingly become the default response for behavioral health emergencies, often resulting in long wait times, unnecessary hospitalization or involvement with the criminal justice system. The Rosecrance Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center was created to provide a more appropriate setting for crisis intervention, stabilization and referral to ongoing care.

Guests toured the crisis stabilization and residential areas, which were designed to create a calm, welcoming environment. The center uses a “living room” model that emphasizes comfort and de-escalation while providing assessments, crisis intervention services and referrals.

Representatives from numerous local organizations participated in tours throughout the day, giving community partners an opportunity to learn more about the facility and the services available to individuals and families in crisis.

“Every person experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis deserves access to compassionate care close to home, and the Rosecrance Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center gives individuals and families in Champaign and surrounding communities a place to turn for immediate support and connection to ongoing care,” said Melissa Pappas, executive director of Rosecrance Central Illinois. “We are deeply grateful to Sen. Dick Durbin for his leadership and support, which helped make this important resource possible for the individuals and families we serve.”

Community members seeking information about crisis intervention, mental health treatment or substance use recovery services are encouraged to contact Rosecrance.