Humboldt County seeks grant for new psychiatric facility to replace outdated Sempervirens

The Eureka City Council meeting on November 19, 2024, focused on a significant proposal from the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services regarding the upgrade of the Sempervirens psychiatric health facility. City Manager Slattery presented the request for a letter of support for an infrastructure grant aimed at relocating and renovating the outdated facility, currently situated on Harris Street.

The proposed new site for Sempervirens is located at the public health branch parking lot on Fifth Street, directly across from the courthouse. This relocation is deemed necessary due to the current facility's age and ongoing maintenance issues, which have led to challenges in meeting licensing requirements. The existing building, originally constructed in 1906 and converted for psychiatric use in 1969, has accumulated approximately $2.6 million in maintenance needs.

Director Connie Beck highlighted that while the grant would not expand the number of beds at Sempervirens, it would facilitate quicker transitions for patients needing care. The facility will continue to serve as a psychiatric center, but additional residential facilities are being developed to enhance the overall mental health service capacity in the region. Beck noted that the county is also working on a crisis triage center at Mad River Hospital, which will include more beds and services to support individuals in mental health crises.

Council members expressed their support for the initiative, recognizing the urgent need for improved mental health services in the community. The discussions underscored the importance of timely access to care and the ongoing efforts to enhance the mental health infrastructure in Humboldt County. The council's support for the grant application is seen as a crucial step towards modernizing mental health services and addressing the growing needs of the community.