Geisinger breaks ground on new behavioral health facility

Anna Wiest, The Daily Item, Sunbury, Pa.
·2 min read

May 7—DANVILLE — Leaders from Geisinger, Acadia Healthcare and the community gathered Tuesday morning to ceremonially break ground on a new behavioral health facility.

The planned 96-bed, one-story facility is on grounds formerly owned by the Sisters of Sts. Cyrils and Methodius, nearest to Maria Hall.

Dr. Imad Melhem, department chair of psychiatry and behavioral health, said breaking ground on the facility was a celebration for neighbors and community members.

"The community at large has been suffering with conditions that have become harder to treat," Melhem said.

Geisinger has publicly addressed the challenges surrounding behavioral health treatment and has worked hard to forge partnerships to make something like the new facility possible, according to Melhem.

The addition to Geisinger's already large Danville presence is a crucial step in making better health easy for the community, said Megan Brosious, chief administrative officer of Geisinger's central region.

"The community understood the need of the community," Brosious said. "... They've worked hand-in-hand to find the right solution to address these needs."

Brosious thanked the sisters for their unwavering support of the project.

Dr. Terry Gilliland, Geisinger president and CEO, said the company was pleased to partner with Acadia Healthcare for the second time after opening a similar center in the northeast region last fall.

Acadia operates more than 250 behavioral health facilities across the country, according to CEO Laura Longstreet.

"We are confident we will recognize the urgent need for these services and respond accordingly," Longstreet said. "This hospital is a beacon of hope and healing."

Community support for the project has been overwhelmingly positive, which is not always the case, Longstreet said.

Montour County Commissioner Rebecca Dressler said she was excited about the new facility coming to the area.

"This facility represents a crucial step forward in addressing mental health needs in our community. By providing specialized care and support, it offers hope to those struggling with mental illness," Dressler said. "It is a great step toward improving mental health outcomes and building a healthier community."

Geisinger Behavioral Health Center Danville is expected to open in the summer of 2025.