The mental health association of the Southern Tier has plans to open a new facility in Broome County, expanding its services with a new program.

The grant, which is worth three million dollars, was awarded through the New York State Office of Mental Health and the Office of Addiction Services and Supports.

It will go towards the building, renovating, and operational expenses of the new Supportive Crisis Stabilization Center (SCSC) facility located at the former CVS building on west state street, over a span of five years.

The Supportive Crisis Stabilization Center is meant to help give an alternative to the hospital for those experiencing a mental health crisis by providing peer-based help and guidance.

"They can stay up to 24 hours and we will do our best just to deescalate their crisis and see what other resources and supports they need during the time that they stay with us And then we will provide some case management services so we can support them after they leave to avoid another crisis in the future", says Megan Crowe, Executive Director of MHAST.

MHAST has utilized a peer-based service model for all programs including mobile crisis, crisis respite, and warm line services to allow persons with lived experience (PWLE) to find meaningful work in helping others along similar roads to recovery.

Through the new SCSC, MHAST will align its current peer-based services and clinically-based mobile crisis team with the complementary services of other critical community partners across the Southern Tier.

Care Compass Collaborative (CCC) has been one of several integral partners that have collaborated with MHAST to support the development, writing, and submission of the grant application.

Moving forward, CCC will provide project management support, as well as guidance from the regional Health Equity Council formed by Care Compass Network (CCN) in early 2022.

"MHAST is uniquely positioned to bring this critical resource to the region, and we anticipate seeing an immediate benefit for our families and community partners,” says Lauren Greco, Project Manager, Care Compass Collaborative.

The services will be free to everyone who needs it, with plans to open in 2024.