Flagler County Breaks Ground on New Crisis Stabilization Center

Flagler County has commenced construction on a new crisis stabilization center, marking a significant advancement in local mental health and substance abuse services.

 

Historically, residents in crisis were compelled to seek care outside the county due to the absence of a local crisis receiving center.

 

Andrew Williams, SMA Healthcare's vice president of Flagler County services, emphasized the importance of this development, stating, "This facility completes the continuum of care here in Flagler County."

 

The groundbreaking ceremony took place on November 18 at 101 Old Haw Creek Road.

 

The upcoming facility will encompass over 23,000 square feet, housing 48 beds: 20 dedicated to the integrated stabilization unit and 28 for the men's residential program.

 

Designed to operate as a 24/7 access point, it will serve both law enforcement and the public.

 

Data from SMA Healthcare reveals that Florida's Northeast region has the second-highest involuntary assessment rate, with over 23,000 individuals assessed in 2024-2025.

 

Flagler County alone has recorded over 4,000 involuntary assessments in the past five years, doubling the state's average.

 

Additionally, the county's average suicide rate stands at 18.72 per capita, 25% higher than the state average, and its accidental drug overdose rate is 20% higher than the state average.

 

Williams highlighted the center's mission, stating, "We're building a place where healing begins and hope takes root."

 

SMA Healthcare, a nonprofit organization, offers comprehensive mental health and substance abuse services across multiple counties in Northeast Florida.

 

In Flagler County, their services include a Crisis Triage and Treatment Unit, the Mobile Crisis Response Team, and primary care services.

 

The new crisis stabilization unit and men's residential facility result from a public-private partnership between Flagler County and SMA Healthcare.

 

The county secured $10 million in legislative appropriations for the project, while SMA Healthcare contributed an additional $4 million.

 

The facility is being constructed on county-owned land.

 

Commission Chair Leann Pennington underscored the facility's significance, noting that residents previously had to leave the county for detox services or crisis intervention, creating barriers during critical times.

 

She affirmed that the services will be accessible to all in need, regardless of their ability to pay.

 

SMA Healthcare CEO Ivan Cosimi described the new facility as a foundational step, with the next phase focusing on securing funding to deliver comprehensive services to the community.

 

He reiterated SMA's mission of transforming lives through exceptional substance use, mental health, and primary care services.

 

In related developments, Flagler County Administrator Heidi Petito received an "Impact Award" from SMA Healthcare on November 8, recognizing her advocacy and role in expanding behavioral health services in the county.

 

Petito expressed her honor at receiving the award and highlighted the fruitful public-private partnership between the county and SMA Healthcare.

 

Additionally, the Flagler County Sheriff's Office was awarded a $134,878 federal grant to enhance mental health services for employees and their families.

 

The grant will support the implementation of a tiered support model, including agency-wide mental health training, confidential access to licensed therapists, and family-focused workshops addressing the effects of chronic trauma exposure.

 

Sheriff Rick Staly emphasized the importance of mental health resources for law enforcement officers and their families, acknowledging the emotional challenges inherent in their duties.

 

These initiatives collectively represent a concerted effort to strengthen the behavioral health safety net in Flagler County, ensuring residents and first responders have access to essential services within their community.