Baptist Health, Wolfson Children’s Hospital and THE PLAYERS Championship Village celebrated Wolfson Children’s new Behavioral Health and Wellness Unit with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tour on Friday, Feb. 9. The 20-bed inpatient unit will double the number of beds available for children and adolescents requiring hospitalization for mental health conditions.
“Unfortunately, the 66 beds that are available between Jacksonville and Orlando are not enough to meet the growing need for inpatient behavioral health care services in Northeast Florida, and we are grateful to all who have helped us meet the demand for this vitally important care,” said Michael A. Mayo, president and CEO of Baptist Health.
The unit is funded, in part, by a $3 million gift from THE PLAYERS Championship Village and a $5 million appropriation from the State of Florida. Located on the third floor of Wolfson Children’s, in the space previously occupied by the pediatric intensive care unit, the Behavioral Health and Wellness Unit opened to patients Feb. 12.
“We know the need for behavioral health services is increasing, and our new inpatient unit will not only help save lives, but it will serve as a safe and comforting space for our patients as they receive the care they need,” said Allegra C. Jaros, president of Wolfson Children’s. “Wolfson Children’s can continue to provide compassionate and individualized care for our patients and families thanks to their support of this new behavioral health unit.”
