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Regional Behavioral Health tells Banner County commissioners Kimball stabilization center on track; requests possible opioid-settlement support
Summary
Brandy Brunz, Justice Systems Coordinator for Regional Behavioral Health, updated the board on a state-funded stabilization center in Kimball expected to open in early 2027 and asked counties to consider contributing opioid-settlement dollars to cover furniture and other remaining start-up needs.
Brandy Brunz, Justice Systems Coordinator at Regional Behavioral Health, briefed the Banner County Board of Commissioners on July 7 about regional efforts to expand short-term behavioral-health stabilization services.
Brunz said the contract for remodeling the former Kimball hospital has been signed, state funding for the project is secured and construction work has begun; the center is tentatively scheduled to open in January 2027. The facility is intended to provide short-term (one to five days) stabilization and connection to services for people with mental-health or substance-use disorders who do not meet criteria for emergency protective custody or inpatient admission.
Brunz also described progress on a state pilot to contract a transport provider (RideCare) that would offer dedicated transport capacity in Western Nebraska, potentially reducing the need for law enforcement to escort patients long distances and lowering county costs. She said the pilot would begin in Western Nebraska and that the region is helping the state test the model locally.
Brunz asked counties to consider using local opioid-settlement dollars, if available, to help close small remaining gaps (office furniture, some remodeling items) needed to bring the stabilization center fully online. She noted some providers are already operating temporarily or on a volunteer basis until full funding flows.
"The funding has been secured from the state," Brunz told the board, noting the region continues to seek smaller local contributions to address equipment and furnishing shortfalls.
Commissioners asked clarifying questions about how county opioid-settlement dollars could be used; Brunz said counties sometimes reallocate settlement dollars to regional projects and that Banner County's contribution would be voluntary and subject to county approval. The board thanked Brunz and asked staff to return logistics and funding options for consideration at a future meeting.
