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High Plains Mental Health delays Scribe Innovation Center opening to March 2
Summary
High Plains Mental Health Center reported construction delays at its Scribe Innovation Center and said the state funding agency KDADS has approved an extension to a March 2 opening. Key clinical hires are in place; full staffing is planned by December–January.
High Plains Mental Health Center told the Ellis County Commission on Oct. 14 that construction delays have pushed the opening of its Scribe Innovation Center to March 2, 2026.
Craig Bowe, a representative of High Plains Mental Health, said the primary funder, the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), approved an extension that allows the center to complete construction. “We have worked with KDADS, who's the primary funding source right now, and they have approved us to extend into March. It'll be a March 2 open date that we're at right now,” Bowe said. He added, “it is still going to be a life changing facility for people in this area.”
Why it matters: the Scribe Innovation Center is meant to provide acute hospitalization support and related services in the region. County commissioners asked about staffing and readiness; Bowe said several key positions—including advanced practice registered nurses and management staff—have been filled and that the center expects to complete most hiring in December or January to be ready for the March opening.
Bowe told commissioners that the facility cannot be rushed into service while construction remains incomplete because of the clinical and safety requirements for acute care. He invited commissioners to a Verdant Bistro town-hall event hosted by the state association where the center and CCBHC certification history will be discussed and attendees can see a construction tour.
No formal county action was taken on this item. The update was informational; commissioners thanked the presenter and had no formal objections.
Looking ahead: Bowe said the center will continue construction oversight with KDADS and proceed toward a March 2 opening date, contingent on completion and final approvals.
