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Valley Community Services Board details $20 million VRACK crisis center, aims to open in early 2028
Summary
Dr. Kim Mlanahan told the council Valley Community Services Board has purchased a site near Augusta Health for the Valor Recovery and Assessment Center (VRACK), a crisis observation and stabilization facility expected to cost about $20 million, with $9.6 million pledged by the state and a target opening in March–April 2028.
Waynesboro — Dr. Kim Mlanahan, executive director of the Valley Community Services Board, briefed the council on the agency’s operations and provided a detailed update on the crisis stabilization project now called the Valor Recovery and Assessment Center (VRACK).
Dr. Mlanahan said the board purchased just over six acres near Augusta Health and plans a 25,000–26,000 square‑foot facility that will include a 23‑hour observation area (16 chairs) and a 16‑bed crisis stabilization/detox unit; average stays in the stabilization beds are expected to be three to five days, though some patients may stay up to two weeks. She said the project aims to break ground in August and complete construction by January 2028, with an opening targeted for March or April 2028.
Funding details presented to the council showed roughly $20 million in total project cost. Dr. Mlanahan said the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) committed $9.6 million for construction (the board has received a $960,000 lump sum to date), the Valley board previously committed $1.5 million, and the locality’s contribution discussed with council totals $2.388 million to be provided across multiple years (the transcript indicates the city contribution is spread over a multi‑year period). Dr. Mlanahan also listed a land cost of $971,000 and estimated construction costs around $11.695 million in the budget presented.
"The CRC CSU has a name now and it is called the Valor Recovery and Assessment Center or VRACK," Dr. Mlanahan said, describing the site, its zoning as general business, and utility access. She said the facility will include a sallyport for law enforcement drop‑offs, ample parking, fenced exercise space, a generator and fire‑safety loop, and that design review and utility providers have been engaged.
Dr. Mlanahan also reviewed other Valley projects, including renovation of a First Street ICF group home that now houses six residents, and summarized agency finances and employee survey results showing improved engagement metrics. She said Valley’s financial position is sound but flagged concerns about Medicaid reimbursement levels and potential changes tied to Medicaid expansion populations that will require monitoring.
What happens next: The project remains in the design/engineering and permitting phases; staff anticipate continued coordination with DBHDS, Augusta Water and local permitting authorities and expect to present additional budget and staffing details as the construction schedule progresses.
