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High Plains Mental Health reports $1.65 million in care, plans May 4 Crisis Intervention Center opening
Summary
High Plains Mental Health told the Russell County Commission it provided 4,783 hours of patient care in 2025 at a cost of $1,647,795 and plans to open a 23-room Crisis Intervention Center on May 4, 2026; Sheriff Andrew Van Der Wege expressed support.
High Plains Mental Health Executive Director Craig Poe and Manager of Education Outreach Kaylie Conner presented the agency’s 2025 annual report to the Russell County Commission on March 2, 2026. Poe said the agency provided 4,783 hours of patient care in 2025 at a cost of $1,647,795.00 and that a Crisis Intervention Center is scheduled to open on May 4, 2026.
Craig Poe said Sheriff Andrew Van Der Wege is "very supportive" of the new Crisis Intervention Center and the program will include 23 client rooms. Kaylie Conner said staff are launching a "Be There" campaign to encourage conversations about mental health needs. Commissioners did not take formal action on the presentation but heard the report and the opening date for the center.
The presentation gave commissioners an overview of program scale and timeline; the report and center opening will affect local emergency response planning and mental-health referrals. The commission did not vote on funding at the meeting; staff-level coordination with the Sheriff and county departments was discussed as the next step.
