WakeMed Health has recently initiated construction on a groundbreaking mental health care facility in Garner, North Carolina. This new campus, strategically located near White Oak Crossing at the intersection of Timber Drive East and White Oak Road, aims to address the pressing need for mental health services in the rapidly growing Wake County region.
The facility will feature a 150-bed mental health hospital alongside a 45-bed acute care hospital. This dual-purpose structure is designed to provide a seamless integration of physical and mental health services, an approach emphasized by both Governor Josh Stein and hospital executives during the groundbreaking ceremony.
### Addressing a Growing Need
Governor Stein underscored the significance of this new facility, stating that it will cater to a diverse population, including adults, children, and the elderly. “If you need health care, you’re going to be able to come here and get the care that you need,” he assured. Stein’s remarks reflect the increasing demand for comprehensive health services, particularly given that U.S. Census Bureau data indicates Garner as one of the fastest-growing municipalities nationwide.
WakeMed manages around 1,200 mental health patients each month in its emergency departments, with approximately 400 requiring inpatient care. Currently, however, the hospital can only accommodate about half of those needing beds, often resulting in a stressful situation where patients experience a waiting period of up to two days for inpatient care.
Donald Gintzig, CEO of WakeMed Health and Hospitals, articulated the systemic stress caused by the lack of bed availability, reinforcing the urgent need for expanded mental health services.
### A Coordinated Care Model
The new Garner campus seeks to change the narrative around mental health care by integrating it with physical health services. Dr. Micah Krempasky, Chief Medical Officer for Mental Health and Wellbeing at WakeMed, emphasized the necessity of treating mental health and physical health as interconnected issues. “The illnesses don’t come that way,” he pointed out, which illustrates the growing recognition that mental health deserves the same priority as physical health.
This innovative approach aims to destigmatize mental health care. Dr. Krempasky envisions a facility that is a proud part of the community rather than a stigmatized institution. “It’s not somewhere that’s tucked away; it’s an integral part of our daily lives,” he said.
### The Focus on Trauma-Informed Care
Significantly, the new health campus will prioritize “trauma-informed care,” ensuring that all programs support families holistically. This focus aims to improve patient outcomes while addressing the larger societal issues tied to mental health.
Moreover, while the effort to expand mental health services in Garner has gained considerable community support, it faces challenges related to funding. Governor Stein highlighted the critical issue of Medicaid funding gaps, urging legislative actions to ensure sustainable financing for the necessary services.
### Community Backing and Fundraising Initiatives
The community has shown overwhelming support for the project through the “Courage to Confront Crisis” campaign, spearheaded by the WakeMed Foundation. Launched in April 2024, the campaign aims to raise $50 million, with more than $32 million already collected. Hank Woods, Vice President of the WakeMed Foundation, noted that the stories shared by donors reveal the pervasive impact of mental health issues in the community, fueling their dedication to the cause.
This campaign represents the largest undertaking the foundation has undertaken, signifying both the community’s commitment and the urgent need for mental health resources.
### The Broader Impact of WakeMed Services
The new facility follows the earlier success of WakeBrook, a partnership with Wake County that opened a 28-bed inpatient psychiatric unit. This initiative has significantly improved WakeMed’s approach to behavioral healthcare, providing essential services that many in the community depend on.
Dr. Krempasky remarked on the positive outcomes seen since the opening of WakeBrook, citing an emphasis on outdoor activities and exercise as part of the treatment regimen—elements that will also be incorporated into the new Garner campus.
### Conclusion
Set to be completed by summer 2028, the new mental health care facility is positioned to transform mental health services in Garner and beyond. As WakeMed continues to prioritize integrated care, trauma-informed approaches, and community engagement, the new campus symbolizes a hopeful shift in how society views and approaches mental health.
While important strides are being taken, the journey toward comprehensive mental health care remains ongoing. The collaborative efforts of WakeMed, community leaders, and dedicated donors represent a collective commitment to ensuring that mental health care becomes an accessible priority for all.
For those struggling with mental health issues, educating oneself about available resources continues to be essential. If you or someone you know is facing a crisis, reaching out to support systems like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is critical. The integration of mental health services into the fabric of community life is a testament to how far we’ve come, but it also highlights the road still ahead.
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