Aurora-based Children’s Hospital Colorado is adding a pediatric mental health emergency unit and crisis stabilization services at its South Campus in Highlands Ranch, Colo., funded in part by $3.4 million in Douglas County opioid settlement dollars.
Douglas County commissioners joined hospital leaders, donors and community partners at the campus in early November to mark a milestone in the hospital’s mental health expansion.
The Douglas County Opioid Council administers the funds. Commissioner Abe Laydon, who chairs the council, helped advance the investment and identify existing space next to the hospital’s emergency department for the project.
The unit will include dedicated treatment and de-escalation rooms, nursing and supervision stations, and space for clinicians to meet with families. Short-term crisis stabilization will allow clinicians to assess and treat young patients while determining next steps in their care, with the goal of reaching families before a crisis escalates or requires inpatient hospitalization.
Mr. Laydon said the project expands crisis care options in the county by pairing settlement dollars with the hospital’s clinical expertise and donor support.
“No single entity can solve the youth mental health crisis alone,” said Ron-Li Liaw, MD, mental health-in-chief at Children’s Hospital Colorado. Dr. Liaw said the combination of county and philanthropic funding allows the hospital to redesign the patient and family experience so children reach the right care faster.
The space is expected to open in 2027 and will serve families in and around Douglas County.
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