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Heritage Behavioral Health Center looking to expand

Sep 23, 2023 | 1:02 PM

September 23, 2023- Heritage Behavioral Health Center is looking to expand, and is currently looking at locations in Decatur.

One of the locations that has been discussed, is the vacant building next to St. Teresa High School, located at 2800 N. Water St.

After being made aware of the possibility of Heritage relocating next to their campus,  St. Teresa released a statement, voicing their concerns.

“The St. Teresa Board of Directors, Administration as well the Diocese of Springfield have recently been made aware that Heritage Behavioral Health is pursuing an opportunity to relocate from its current location in downtown Decatur to the currently vacant building located next to St. Teresa High School (Kay’s Merchandise at 2800 N Water St). These plans have been in the works for 16-18 months.

Heritage’s website states, “Heritage provides comprehensive community-based services to treat the most serious behavioral disorders… Substance Use (inpatient and outpatient), Gambling, Mental Health, etc.”

In addition, many of the patients have public records for various acts including being registered sex offenders.

Our number one priority is the safety, security, and well-being of St. Teresa’s students, families, and community members. Moving this facility in our backyard would pose serious, known, and unknown, risks. The team involved in planning has stated that Heritage currently serves roughly 4,000 patients and this facility could increase that capacity to over 10,000 patients. Many of these individuals are homeless and when not in treatment, patients could be present on the campus of St. Teresa. Additionally, many of the other service providers these patients utilize (Crossings, Salvation Army, Oasis, Northeast) are located closest to Heritage’s current location downtown and would increase the amount of foot traffic in and around St. Teresa’s campus – increasing the security risk around our school. Again, our number one priority is the safety of our students!

We are cognizant of the long-time goal of moving Heritage out of downtown and the potential economic impact this project could bring. Additionally, we respect the work that Heritage provides for the patients it serves. However, relocating the campus next to St. Teresa, or any school, cannot be the best option on the table when there are plenty of other vacant buildings and empty acreage around the city of Decatur.

As the leadership of St. Teresa, we 100% percent oppose this facility being relocated next to St. Teresa High School and we feel it is our obligation to get this news out to the Catholic community and the entire Decatur area that so deeply support the legacy and mission of a St. Teresa Education. The board is currently evaluating all avenues present to oppose this project.

St. Teresa is committed to keeping you informed as we continue to work through this. If you have questions, please reach out to any member of the Board of Directors or Executive Director, Dr. Kenneth C. Hendriksen: 217-875-7950.”

With the country experiencing a mental health and substance use crisis, Garrison believes there is a great need for the services offered by Heritage.

“For 67 years Heritage Behavioral Health Center (HBHC), Inc. has been serving our community for those living with mental health and substance use disorders during their most difficult times during their lives,” Garrison said. “Heritage serves over 7,000 clients and their families each year with a work force of over 350 staff and 11 locations throughout Macon and DeWitt counties.

Currently, our country is experiencing a mental health and substance use crisis and the need for the services of Heritage has never been greater. Simultaneously, individuals living with mental illness and substance use disorders continue to be stigmatized and we are committed to fighting the stigma that creates barriers to treatment.  To meet the needs of our clients, their families and our community, HBHC has expanded all of our services including the addition of primary care. Someone can walk in our door and receive mental health, substance use and primary care services all under one roof. As the needs of our community grow, Heritage will continue to meet those needs and group our services.

Our expansion will continue to improve the lives of those we serve and improve the quality of life for all. We look forward to meeting the needs of our community for decades to come as we work tirelessly to end stigma surrounding mental health and substance use.

Please know I welcome any discussion about Heritage to share the benefits of our services and the incredibly positive impact we have on our community.”

Garrison can be reached at mgarrison@heritagenet.org or at 309-532 -1803