The Alabama Department of Mental Health, JBS Mental Health Authority, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department and other leaders have opened the Craig Crisis Care Center, one of six centers in Alabama designed to support individuals facing a mental health or substance use crisis.
“Strengthening Alabama’s mental health care access has been a top priority for my administration from the beginning, and I’m proud to celebrate the opening of Alabama’s fourth Crisis Center here in Birmingham,” said Gov. Kay Ivey. “Throughout every major region in Alabama, we are working diligently to improve our mental health landscape to ensure we create positive change in the lives of Alabamians who need it most.”
The Alabama Legislature allocated $18 million to establish three crisis centers across the state, followed by an additional $6 million for Birmingham in 2021. In 2022, the governor’s office announced funding for two additional centers.
The Craig Crisis Care Center includes 32 temporary observation beds with a 23-hour maximum length of stay and 16 extended observation beds, accommodating individuals for one to five days. Once patients are stabilized, the center’s team will work directly with community partners and hospitals to coordinate appropriate aftercare services.
“We only represent one piece of a substantial local and statewide community effort that made it possible to bring this incredible facility to Birmingham. From law enforcement and legislators to advocacy groups, fellow nonprofits and hospitals, we are grateful to have built such an incredible network of dedicated partners,” said Jim Crego, JBS executive director.
Jefferson-Blount-St. Clair (JBS) Mental Health Authority was established in 1968 to provide mental health services to children, youth and adults in a manner that encourages resilience and wellness.