San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital has begun a “Go Fund Me” account to raise the necessary funds to complete the Behavioral Health Center’s new facility. The online fundraising campaign can be found at gofundme.com/SGMHBHC.

According to NAMI (the National Institute of Mental Health) mistreated and untreated mental illness in the United States costs upwards of 105 billion in lost productivity and 8 billion in welfare and crime spending annually. “For each $1 invested in treatment of mental health issues results in a $3.68 savings in criminal activity and hospitalization.”

In 2008 many of the psychiatric services for patients with mental disabilities in the Coachella Valley were eliminated due to budget cuts. As a result, patients who have psychiatric disabilities have not had access to treatment services. Emergency rooms have become overwhelmed by patients whose conditions have deteriorated due to lack of treatment. There has been a concerted effort to try to re-establish these services. 

Recently, a treatment center has been located and construction has begun. Initial estimates for the construction were within the budget covered by grant funding, however, due to city permits and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) code requirements the budget has tripled causing a $100,000 shortage to complete the treatment center which must be in compliance with current ADA code. Although revising the budget was explored, ADA compliance cannot be compromised.

Without your help the construction project would not be fully funded and could jeopardize these potential services. Therefore we have begun this campaign to cover the shortfall.

Once completed, this treatment center will be able to provide daily treatment services to upwards of 50 patients. A typical patient can be described as an individual whose mental illness falls within the severe range. The most frequent diagnoses treated are Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorders, Major Depressive Disorder, and Severe Anxiety Disorders. These individuals have few resources, little to no family support, and are at risk for further clinical deterioration of their condition if treatment is not on going.

At this facility patients maintain contact with the same licensed clinical staff three days per week and licensed psychiatrist monthly to maintain continuity of treatment. Patients maintain stabilization through psychotherapy groups, therapeutic activities, strengthening coping and life skills, and medication management. Lunch and transportation are also provided to each patient.

These are patients who, through no fault of their own, have suffered all of their lives with chronic mental illness. If we are able to complete this project it will be the first time that they will be able to receive their treatment in a clean, welcoming, bright, comfortable, and safe environment. Please help to make a difference in the lives of these patients.

A donation for this cause is also a tax deduction. We will provide each donor with a thank you letter and a receipt of the donation for tax purposes.