New resource for people struggling with mental health issues on horizon
Published at | Updated at
IDAHO FALLS — People recovering from mental health issues or addictions now have a new resource.
On Monday, the Idaho Association of Counties along with Bonneville County representatives celebrated The Center for HOPE, which will hold its grand opening July 21. The Center for Hope is at 1501 Northgate Mile in the Fred Meyer’s Plaza, close to both The Behavioral Health Crisis Center of East Idaho and the Bonneville County Jail.
“Before places like the crisis center and The Center for HOPE, in order to get treatment one either had to have very good insurance or become incarcerated,” Idaho Association of Counties Director Daniel Chadwick said. “That’s not a humane way to treat someone with mental health issues or a drug addiction.”
The Center for HOPE is a nonprofit organization that will provide peer-to-peer services for mental health and substance abuse disorders.
Unlike the crisis center, The Center for HOPE will not be a 24-hour service. People can use it daily. The structure puts those who currently struggling face to face with those who have succeeded in their fight in recovering and coping with mental disorders.
“One of the things the crisis center recognized it needed to set up in its foundation was peer support,” Capt. Samuel Hulse with the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office said. “We need resources that relate people back to either peer wellness or recovery coaches that empower others to stay healthy, to stay off drugs or alcohol, to help people avoid those situations that put them in crisis.”
Some of the services The Center for HOPE will offer are:
- Volunteer peer support and group support
- Phone call support
- Tobacco cessation classes
- Opportunities and classes to promote job skills and healthy living like yoga, meditation and nutrition classes
- Assistance in connecting individuals to community resources
- Family support
- Socialization and volunteer opportunities
- Computers for job searches, housing, resumes and online training
The State of Idaho provided $150,000 of funding toward the recovery center from the Millennium Fund this past legislative session, along with similar funding for three other new centers in Bannock, Kootenai and Nez Perce counties.
Last session, the Idaho Legislature provided seed money for other sites in Ada, Canyon, Gem and Latah counties. Each center operates independently and is support by their communities. All recovery center use different funding models and provide slightly different services depending upon the needs of the community.
The State of Idaho will cover cost for the center during the first year, and after that Bonneville County will foot the bill.
“Bonneville County elected officials understand the importance of supporting their citizens when their lives are going and when they are not, both in the work they have done with The Crisis Center and now the Idaho Falls Center for Hope,” Chadwick said.
Chadwick praised the Bonneville County Commission, the Bonneville County sheriff, and other elected officials for doing the right thing for the citizens.
“Its an honor to work with those who understand the importance of the role of government and the government doing what it should to protect and enhance the quality of life of a community,” he said.