Transforming Lakeshore Hospital: A New Vision for Behavioral Health and Addiction Recovery

The old Lakeshore Hospital is making a significant shift to become a center for behavioral health and addiction recovery. This change began when Main Rd Med Group LLC took over the property from Brooks Memorial Hospital. The site will now be rented out to the New York Medical Center.

Ray Manning, the CEO of New York Medical Center, shared exciting plans with the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency. The project is estimated at $42 million, aiming to transform the 173,000 square-foot facility into a vital location for mental health services in the region. Manning highlighted a clear need: “It’s a 45 to 60-minute drive to find care, especially in bad weather. We’re in the middle of a crucial area in Western New York.”

The new center will provide detox programs and residential treatment for substance use disorders. It will also accommodate children, adults, and seniors needing inpatient behavioral health services. Manning emphasized that they plan to offer outpatient therapy and unique holistic alternatives like art therapy and mindfulness practices alongside traditional treatments. Additionally, Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) will be available, filling a significant gap in services for Northern Chautauqua County.

The project will unfold in two phases. The first phase involves setting up the inpatient units, while the second will focus on outpatient spaces, including patient intake and therapy areas.

Recently, the IDA board approved steps to support this initiative with incentives for the company. Construction is expected to start in the coming months, taking about three years to complete. This development is projected to create 121 construction jobs and around 300 permanent jobs at the center once operational.

This project highlights the growing awareness of the mental health crisis in the U.S. According to recent statistics from the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly 1 in 5 adults experienced mental illness in the past year. As communities respond to these challenges, the new center could play a pivotal role in meeting local needs.

With these developments, the Lakeshore Hospital site is set to become a beacon of hope for many, emphasizing the importance of mental health and community support.

For more information on the importance of mental health services, you can visit the National Institute of Mental Health.

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