Montgomery County is stepping forward to address the complex challenge of mental health and substance use crises with an upcoming project update on its Behavioral Health Diversion Center. The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29, and will take place in the Leggett Executive Office Building auditorium in Rockville. Eager to keep the community informed and engaged, county officials will also make the session available virtually through Microsoft TEAMS, as reported by Montgomery County's government website.
According to the Montgomery County news release, Earl Stoddard, Assistant Chief Administrative Officer; Monica Martin, Chief of Behavioral Health and Crisis Services; and Hamid Omidvar, Chief of the Division of Building Design and Construction, will be present to share insights and updates. The center, set to be located on Seven Locks Road in Rockville, has the primary goal to significantly reduce reliance on emergency rooms and detention centers for those in crisis.
At the heart of the county's response, the Diversion Center will be a refuge where individuals can receive immediate and comprehensive care. This includes various behavioral health services like triage, crisis stabilization, and referrals to continuing care—all of which contribute to the objective of stabilizing those in urgent need. The facility's services are designed for those moments when every second counts, providing support for individuals during the crucial first hours and up to three days, as detailed by the same Montgomery County news announcement.
The vision for the Diversion Center as a 24/7, year-round operation symbolizes the county's commitment to creating a compassionate and effective alternative to the traditional emergency or punitive approaches to crises. Multidisciplinary professionals will staff the center, including nurses, licensed mental health and addiction specialists, peer counselors, and resource navigators, all ready to collaboratively address the needs of those who find themselves at life's edge.
