New mental health crisis center set to open this summer in downtown Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The push for more mental health services in Louisville continues as a new crisis center is set to open downtown.

The issue of mental health help has been discussed for years in Louisville.

"We know that a lot of the issues that we face as a city are people who are experiencing a crisis or recovering either a mental health issue or substance use," said District 8 Metro Councilman Ben Reno-Weber.

Recently it's been top of mind.

Last month, Louisville Metro Police officers shot and killed 28-year-old Katelyn Hall who was having a mental health crisis while holding a jagged piece of porcelain.

"After the killing of Katelyn Hall last month this issue is weighing even more heavily on our hearts and the minds of so many in our community," said Denise Ruffra, who is the co-chair of the mental health committee with the organization Citizens of Louisville United Together (CLOUT).

In December plans for a new crisis center became a reality after Metro Council agreed to put $1.15 million towards the project.

People of all ages will be able to voluntarily drop in or be dropped off by first responders to get a mental health evaluation and get connected to the resources they need.

"If we can avoid the costs of emergency transport, jail, ER expenditures this is a great return on investment for our city," said Reno-Weber.

Seven Counties Services agreed to create and monitor the center and two weeks ago, found a location on East Broadway Street.

In a statement, Seven Counties Chief Operating Officer Dr. Elizabeth McKune said:

“Access to immediate mental health care is a critical need, and Seven Counties Services is committed to making that access a reality for Louisville and our surrounding communities. A new Crisis Center will be opening in downtown Louisville later this year, with additional details to be shared as they become available. Expanding crisis care in this community is central to our vision of helping more people thrive through accessible care.”

Reno-Weber agrees, "Whether you believe in the individual flourishing of a human being or you want our streets to have fewer homeless people on them, anyone can agree a response that helps achieve those objectives is something we want to push for."

In a CLOUT community meeting on April 20, Ruffra said the center is expected to open this summer, likely July.

She also said starting out, the hours will be 3-11 p.m. The goal is to eventually be open 24/7.