Ivey Announces Mental Health Crisis Center For Tuscaloosa County

TUSCALOOSA, AL — After missing out on the necessary funding last year, Tuscaloosa County will soon have its very own mental health crisis center.

Click here to subscribe to our free daily newsletter and breaking news alerts.

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey made the formal announcement Monday, as the state aims to expand its Alabama Crisis System of Care by funding a new center for Indian Rivers Behavioral Health in Tuscaloosa County.

The funding will also provide a new center for SpectraCare Health Systems in Houston County, which will compliment four existing facilities in Huntsville, Birmingham, Montgomery and Mobile.

“The state of Alabama is proud to continue doing its part to offer top notch crisis care to people in need," Ivey said. “During my time as governor, I’ve placed a renewed focus on finding innovative ways to support Alabamians that find themselves battling mental health issues, and I have no doubt that these two new facilities are going change lives for the better.”

Ivey's office also said the new facilities will serve large populations in the regions, with additional special populations, including veterans and young adults.

As Patch previously reported, the initial three Crisis Centers were funded with an $18 million appropriation in the FY2021 General Fund budget, along with additional funding appropriated in the General Fund budgets for 2022 and 2023.

During the last round of payouts, Jefferson County beat out Tuscaloosa to become the recipient of $6 million in state funding to expand access to mental health services at the county level.

Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Tuscaloosa Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of the latest sponsors for Tuscaloosa Patch? Email all inquiries to me at ryan.phillips@patch.com