High Plains Mental Health
High Plains Mental Health Center is excited to bring a 24/7 Crisis Intervention Center to Northwest Kansas early next year. Progress is continuing and remains on track for expected opening in early 2026, and this unique new facility will significantly improve access to specialized services and patient outcomes, serving a vast region of rural western Kansas.
Following recent media articles that have caused confusion in our communities, we wanted to provide accurate information and updates regarding the progress of this facility and the life-saving services it will provide.
The facility will be located in Hays (not Haysville) and will serve more than 20 counties in Northwest Kansas. The Crisis Intervention Center will serve adults 18-plus experiencing mental health or substance use crises, regardless of the individual’s insurance coverage or ability to pay.
“This facility will be a vital resource for individuals facing mental health and substance use crises. Too often, those in crisis find themselves in emergency rooms unequipped to provide the specialized care they need or, even worse, in jail due to a lack of appropriate alternatives,” said Craig Poe, executive director of High Plains Mental Health Center. “The CIC will change that by offering immediate stabilization, treatment, and support in a safe, therapeutic environment that upholds the dignity of every individual.”
Construction is underway and is progressing nicely. The original completion date was expected prior to the end of 2025, but delays are not unusual for a renovation project of this size and scope, especially involving a historic building. The CIC will be located on the third floor of the Hadley Center, 205 E. 7th in Hays, in the space previously occupied by Camber/KVC. The unit is undergoing a complete renovation to accommodate the needs of an adult treatment facility. Overall, the project remains on track and there are no further concerns nor challenges involving the physical renovations.
The CIC will be owned, operated and staffed by High Plains Mental Health Center, a non-profit Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic. Hiring has already begun for some of the 50 new job opportunities this facility will bring to the region, highlighting the economic impact of a large new healthcare facility. Staff members who have already been hired are not affected by the new opening date of the facility; they are beginning work as scheduled
Licensure of Crisis Intervention Centers is a new process created by the State of Kansas in 2024. There are currently two pilot centers operational in Kansas (Lawrence and Newton). High Plains Mental Health Center CIC will be licensed and regulated by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, which has also provided partial funding for construction and operations of the CIC. We do not anticipate any difficulties or challenges securing needed licensure, but that process cannot begin until construction is complete. The adjusted construction timeline did not directly affect patient services – we will not begin referring patients for placement until the facility is fully constructed and licensed. This is standard operating procedure. The initial license will be for 16 patient beds, but the CIC is being constructed with capacity to expand up to 23 beds in the future. The facility is expected to serve at least 800 patients per year.
Total construction and equipment costs for the facility are approximately $7 million. Partial funding has been secured, and fundraising efforts are ongoing to help support development and start-up costs.
This facility will reduce the waitlist for admissions at Larned State Hospital, provide closer access to specialized psychiatric treatment for western Kansas families, and improve patient outcomes by providing prompt medical attention when it’s needed most. The CIC will save lives and change lives, while also reducing the current burden on rural law enforcement and emergency rooms. Currently, many rural patients experiencing psychiatric or substance use crises are held in emergency rooms and jails due to lack of better alternatives.
“We can’t do this without your help. Every donation helps make this center a reality for those who need our support,” Poe said. “Join us in creating a space where everyone can get the care they need in the most effective setting. Every single gift counts. Please help us build a more resilient Northwest Kansas community.”
For more information about the CIC and how you can get involved, visit donatehighplains.com to get started today or email us at [email protected]. Contributions can also be sent by paper mail to 208 E. 7th Street, Hays, KS 67601. For more information, contact development officer James Gerstner at (785) 628 -2871. Donors of $500 or more will be recognized for their generous contributions with a plaque on our mobile donor recognition wall.
High Plains Mental Health Center is a licensed Community Mental Health Center and Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic dedicated to the aggressive pursuit of providing a comprehensive mental health program to the residents of Northwest Kansas. Embodied in this pursuit are fundamental principles of establishing quality services as close to home as possible, at an affordable fee, and delivered in the least disruptive manner available. Such services will offer a continuum of care so that treatment can be individualized, and our staff can respond quickly and compassionately to those reaching out to us. We’re Here for You