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Meridian details expanded services and central receiving center as county secures permanent funding
Summary
Meridian Healthcare reported reaccreditation, expanded walk‑in care and restoration of a criminal justice‑mental health grant. It said central receiving construction is nearing completion with about $2.1M in permanent state operational funding; commissioners thanked staff and asked for follow‑up on jail mental‑health coordination.
Meridian Healthcare presented its annual report Aug. 27, highlighting an expansion of walk‑in services, a CARF reaccreditation and the reinstatement of a multidisciplinary criminal justice‑mental health grant that will resume in October. Meridian said it has boosted medication‑assisted treatment and expanded veteran supports (SSVF) and that it provides a continuum of care from outpatient clinics to residential and supportive housing.
On the central receiving facility — a regional intake and rapid‑response center for people in mental‑health crises — staff said construction is on schedule for completion in mid‑October and that the program has secured roughly $2.1 million in ongoing state funding to support operations. Meridian named multiple MOUs with law enforcement, hospitals and partners and said the site will include a voluntary entrance, secure law‑enforcement drop‑off and an advisory structure for operational problem‑solving. CEO (referred to as Don) said the center will improve coordination and reduce ER and jail burdens and urged continued partnership to support jail diversion and treatment access.
Why it matters: Central receiving is a key piece of the county’s behavioral‑health and criminal‑justice strategy; permanent operational funding reduces the county’s annual budget exposure and formalizes regional coordination among providers, hospitals and law enforcement.
What’s next: Staff and Meridian will finalize opening logistics and outreach; the board asked Meridian for future recommendations on jail mental‑health needs and services for youth.
