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Meridian reports more than 2,500 crisis visits in first year of Alachua County central receiving facility

Alachua County Board of County Commissioners · March 10, 2026
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Summary

Meridian HealthCare told commissioners central receiving handled more than 2,500 presentations in its first year, with law-enforcement processing times under three minutes and a focus on coordinated voluntary and involuntary referrals. Commissioners asked for data breakdowns on repeat users, youth presentations and homelessness.

Meridian HealthCare reported to the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners on March 10 that its central receiving facility completed a year of operations (January—December 2025) and provided services to more than 2,500 presentations, serving as a single community entry point for behavioral health crisis care.

The model is designed to unite voluntary walk-ins, law-enforcement drop-offs and statutory commitments (Baker Act and Marchman Act referrals) into a single 24/7 intake and screening location. Lauren Cohn, Meridian's president and CEO, said the facility focuses…

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