Charlotte, N.C.-based Atrium Health is committing $5 million over three years to help the Katie Blessing Center open 48 acute inpatient pediatric behavioral health beds in east Charlotte.
The commitment covers operational and consultative services and in-kind support for the beds, serving children and adolescents ages 5 to 17.
The 48 beds make up the first phase of the Katie Blessing Center, which the center says will be North Carolina’s largest pediatric behavioral health facility. The center was founded by Michael Estramonte. Phase 1, a renovation of an existing building, also includes a behavioral health urgent care with up to 10 chairs, telehealth services, and indoor and outdoor recreation space.
A second phase, a three-story addition slated for 2027, will add up to 24 beds designed for both acute inpatient and psychiatric residential treatment, plus a gymnasium and therapy space. Programming will include art, music, horticulture, animal and exercise therapies, along with education and peer and family support.
Atrium will provide EHR technology, pharmacy staffing and equipment, laboratory services, medical care coordination and patient transportation. Its teams will also help families find the right level of care and coverage, according to Eugene Woods, CEO of Atrium’s parent company, Advocate Health.
“Atrium Health’s commitment will help us put essential services and systems in place as we prepare to open our doors,” said Anthony Trotman, CEO of the Katie Blessing Center.
Lisa McCanna, vice president of the behavioral health service line at Atrium Health, said the collaboration brings Atrium’s clinical expertise, resources and operational capabilities together to expand care in the community.
“For a parent whose child is struggling, a bed close to home can mean everything,” Mr. Woods said in a LinkedIn post.
In October, Atrium announced plans to invest $340 million over five years to expand behavioral health services, including a new behavioral health hospital.
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