On Wednesday, we gathered as a community to symbolically break the ground that will form the foundation of the new Crisis Recovery Center (or CRC) that will be built in Parkland.
It’s been estimated that 1 in every 5 people will experience a behavioral health challenge at some point in their life. That’s why I’m so grateful to know that help is on the way for our friends, neighbors and family members in crisis.
The video below will tell you more, but I want to take a moment to recognize the many groups and individuals who came together to create a place of healing and wellness for our community.
Steve O’Ban on the Executive team headed up the effort to secure funding and get the project off the ground. He handled several challenges along the way and I’m grateful for his strong and steady leadership.
My thanks to the Council for their flexibility and willingness to support the creation of this important facility. Former Councilmember Rick Talbert and Chair Richardson, along with the rest of the Council, have been stalwart advocates and partners in making this happen.
I’m grateful to our first responders who have championed the CRC since its inception. Their role in connecting with and engaging the community has been outstanding.
Likewise, Sheriff Paul Pastor has been a long-time partner as we collaborated on a location and site that would best serve our community and his deputies.
The Emergency Management department not only provided the land for the new Center, but they were also wonderful hosts for the groundbreaking. They have my thanks for their flexibility and willingness to do whatever was needed.
Lastly, I want to give a special shout out to Karl Imlig and the team from Facilities Management. They have navigated the sometimes choppy waters of property development with professionalism, determination and a positive attitude. You can imagine how challenging it would be to create a facility to care for clients in a behavioral health crisis. That is especially true when you have multiple sources of funding from the federal, state and local levels. I tip my hat to Karl and his crew for getting us this far and I know they will bring our mission to completion on time and on budget! No pressure!
For those of you who were not able to join us at the groundbreaking ceremony, I invite you to check out the photos below for a flavor of the morning.
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View more photos from the event here.
Switching gears, this Monday is special for many reasons. While I’m sure you are happy to have a day to maybe sleep in, run errands or do some early holiday shopping, I encourage you to participate in one of the many Veterans’ Day celebrations in Pierce County.
We owe a debt of gratitude to the men and women who have served in our armed forces, and I hope you take the time to remember and appreciate the real reason for your day off.
Have a great long weekend – and be sure to thank a veteran for their service!
Bruce