Community members had the opportunity to tour the new Lancaster Behavioral Health Hospital.
“Mental health diseases know no boundary,” said Jayne Van Bramer, CEO Lancaster Behavioral Health Hospital. “They affect every class, geographic area, age and race.”
In a joint partnership, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health and Universal Health Services formally opened the new Lancaster Behavioral Health Hospital in July, expanding regional inpatient and outpatient mental-health access.
“Lancaster County’s growing population and greater recognition for mental and physical health care led us to determine that a hospital dedicated to behavioral health was essential to filling the service gaps that existed in our community,” said Jan Bergen, president & CEO of LG Health. “This hospital will deliver enhanced treatment options and both inpatient and outpatient services to patients and families throughout our region.”
Prior to accepting patients, the hospital hosted a community open house in June, where community members interacted with staff, toured the facility and met special guest Herschel Walker, Heisman Trophy winner and former NFL player.
Walker shared his personal mental-health story and how community resources are vital to helping individuals recover.
“One of the things that people don’t know about me is that at the end of my football career I faced a lot of anger and I didn’t know what was happening to me. When I went to seek help, I found light for the first time. There’s so much stigma around mental health, but a mental health hospital helps remove that sigma,” said Walker.
In addition to dedicated general adult and adolescent units, the new 126-bed facility offers treatment services for those with co-occurring disorders through a psychiatric-medical unit, an intensive adult unit to care for those with severe conditions and a women’s trauma unit.
“We are able to individualize services and treatments and build a continuum of care for our patients,” said Tracey Lavallias, executive director of LG Health’s behavioral health service line.
Located along Harrisburg Avenue in Lancaster City’s northwest gateway, the new hospital utilizes industry-recognized procedures to provide a caring environment for each patient, while also ensuring the safety of patients and care providers. Each unit features access to a courtyard with outdoor therapeutic space.
“Community members and partners alike shared their enthusiasm for the new hospital and the services that are now available in our community.” Lavallias said. “This confirms that this hospital answers an area of need in our community.”
To learn more about Lancaster Behavioral Health Hospital, visit LancasterBehavioral.org.