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Marion County approves $1.28 million contract to remodel Behavioral Health Crisis Center
Summary
The Marion County Board of Commissioners approved a $1,284,320 public improvement agreement with Woodburn Construction to remodel the county—s Behavioral Health Crisis Center in Salem, a 24/7 facility serving people in acute behavioral health crisis.
The Marion County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 15 approved a $1,284,320 public improvement agreement with Woodburn Construction CMGC LLC to remodel the county—s Behavioral Health Crisis Center at Commercial Street in Salem. The contract covers renovation work through Feb. 28, 2026.
County staff and program leaders said the remodeled space will increase capacity, bring staff under one roof and make the center more welcoming to people seeking crisis services. "This is a 24/7 crisis center," Ryan Matthews, Health and Human Services administrator, said, adding that staff "never shut the doors" even through COVID and severe weather. Debbie Wells, division director for behavioral health crisis services, noted the center—s long history: "We were the first psychiatric crisis center in the state, and we're the longest continuously open psychiatric crisis center in the state."
Matthews described services provided at the center, including crisis screenings and assessments, coordination for inpatient hospital admission, community restoration for people discharged from state hospitals, and mobile crisis and outreach teams that partner with law enforcement. He said having more space will allow staff to isolate individuals when needed and provide a larger, more welcoming lobby for people and partner agencies delivering clients for care.
Terry Stoner, Marion County facilities manager, presented the contract after the board moved the item from the consent calendar for additional review. Commissioner Mills moved approval of the public improvement agreement; another commissioner seconded and the board voted in favor. "Let's get this done," the chair said during discussion, thanking staff and program leaders.
The board and staff said the remodel is intended to improve working conditions for county staff and increase access and comfort for residents who need crisis services. Commissioners said they expect the change to improve coordination with community partners and to support ongoing outreach and mobile response activities.
