COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — A new crisis care center in Columbus is preparing to open its doors.
In summer 2025, the Franklin County Crisis Care Center will provide 24/7 services for all adults dealing with mental health or addiction issues in Franklin County.
This facility is along Harmon Avenue. By 2027, it will be a one-stop shop for help, under one roof for recovery, clinical, and medical services.
The building will open in phases. This summer, they will offer two observation units.
In 2026, the center will open its urgent care and family resource center, and by 2027, it will begin offering long-term support for people needing extended treatment.
“When we add this capacity, when we add the additional levels of care, we integrate services,” said Chief Operating Officer Jonathan Thomas. “It makes decision making easier.”
A recent overdose report from the Ohio Department of Health shows a promising trend in overdose deaths. In 2023, there was a 9% decline in verified overdose deaths across the state. There were about 4,452 unintentional drug overdose deaths, down from 4,915 in 2022.
This facility could help continue that trend in Franklin County.
Leaders say the multi-million dollar facility is an investment in the community. No one will be turned away, even if they cannot pay.
Funding for the new crisis center is from the public and private sectors. The ADAMH board of Franklin County, City of Columbus, and Franklin County Board of Commissioners all contributed more than $5 million each.
There were also donations from Ohio-Health, Mount Carmel Health System, and the OSU Wexner Medical Center.
Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant and Fire Chief Jeffrey Happ believe this will create change in the community and help free up resources.
“It helps the officers because we have somewhere to take people when they are in crisis. The last thing we want is enforcement. We want to get people the help they need,” said Columbus Police Chief Bryant.
“Quicker time getting them here. Getting them to the place they need. As opposed to taking them to a hospital. Free up those hospitals and do other things as well,” said Fire Chief Happ.
The center will be operated by Recovery Innovations. Leaders say they operate 24/7 crisis centers across 10 states.
