Montgomery County Commissioners’ Vice Chairman Neil Makhija shares details about plans for a new emergency behavioral health crisis center during a July 22, 2024 press conference in downtown Norristown. (Rachel Ravina – MediaNews Group)
Plans to open an emergency behavioral health crisis center in Montgomery County have taken a major step forward as a lease agreement was authorized for a property in King of Prussia.
The county will “guarantee” a three-year lease on the 49,112-square-foot property located at 1201 W. 8th Ave., according to Vera Zanders, deputy administrator of adult mental health for the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services.
“This is a critically important initiative and we’re proud to do it in Montgomery County,” Montgomery County commissioners’ Chairman Neil Makhija said ahead of the unanimous vote on Sept. 4.
The lease took effect Sept. 5, with terms stipulating a possible continuation until Sept. 4, 2040. Rent for the property, owned by REGAL 1021 8TH AVENUE LLC and 1021 W 8 HOLDING LLC, was listed at $18 per square foot for the first year, with the lease increasing 2.5 percent each year for up to 15 years, according to the resolution.
Phoenix-based Connections Health Solutions, also identified in the resolution as Connections-PA Montgomery, LLC, received a $18.1 million contract in July 2024 to serve as the facility’s leaseholder and operator. The firm will subcontract for needed construction as part of the requirement of the request for proposal, Zanders said in her presentation to county commissioners.
Zanders estimated the entire undertaking would require more than $21 million in start-up funds. Around $15 million would cover renovation efforts to meet regulatory requirements and best practices, while the remaining $6 million is earmarked for staffing and operations costs. Funding sources were derived from reinvestment monies from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Service’s HealthChoices Behavioral Health Program, which Zanders said can be reinvested back into Montgomery County’s behavioral health system.
While Zanders said in her presentation that “funds are in hand and project specific,” Montgomery County officials continue seeking additional monies to fund ongoing costs related to the project. State Medicaid, commercial insurance as well as other grants were discussed as top priorities.
The facility is expected to have a “no turn away policy,” and will be open 24 hours per day, seven days per week for people “experiencing any type of behavioral health crisis,” Zanders said, noting capacity for children, adults and families.
“This isn’t just about a service. It’s not just about a best practice,” Zanders said, adding “it’s about having a lifeline of hope when someone is feeling low.
“It’s about recognition that you are not alone in your crisis,” Zanders said.
