Washington County Crisis Stabilization Unit to close after UAMS backs out as service provider
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences has decided to back out as the service provider for the Washington County Crisis Stabilization Unit therefore Washington County Judge Patrick Deakins says the unit will close.
Deakins says in an email sent to the Washington County Justices of the Peace that he was notified on March 27 that UAMS initiated the termination clause as the service provider for the CSU.
Washington County Director of Communications Tad Sours confirmed UAMS is backing out as the unit’s service provider saying a lack of support from the state of Arkansas made it difficult to maintain operations.
“While we deeply regret the loss of such an amazing community resource, the lack of support and structure from the State of Arkansas has made the continued operation of the CSU impossible in Washington County. There are no plans to seek another service provider,” Sours said in a statement.
Deakins’ email says this will start a 90-day termination period which means the CSU will end its operations at the end of June.
“UAMS has been a great partner for us, and I have appreciated their service to Washington County. They have been gracious in their handling of this difficult situation,” Deakins said in the email.
NWA Crisis Stabilization Unit struggles with funding
UAMS released a statement addressing its withdrawal as the CSU service provider:
After careful consideration, UAMS has made the difficult decision to withdraw from our contract to operate the Northwest Arkansas Crisis Stabilization Unit. As a state institution, UAMS strives to provide needed and necessary service where we can around the state. It is our responsibility to apply our resources where they will serve the greatest number of people. Unfortunately, this CSU is lightly utilized relative to its designed capacity, and it’s no longer feasible for us to continue to provide the necessary staff and resources needed to maintain the facility. We hope to work with the County, the State, and the community to transition the facility to a new partner or to connect patients to other suitable services in other settings in Northwest Arkansas.
UAMS statement
The Arkansas Department of Human Services Office of Communications and Community Engagement Chief Gavin Lesnick also sent a statement addressing the closure of the NWA CSU and the reason why:
We are aware that the Northwest Arkansas Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) in Fayetteville is planning to close at the end of the current state fiscal year, and we will work closely with UAMS and the county in this transition period. Although the state continues to provide support, the NWA CSU is the most underutilized in the state and the provider feels it cannot continue to provide the needed care and services for limited referred clients beyond the current contract. The Arkansas Department of Human Services continues to work with stakeholders to find alternative care and treatment options for those in the area who need it.
Gavin Lesnick, Arkansas Department of Human Services Office of Communications and Community Engagement Chief
Sarah Moore, co-founder and executive director of the Arkansas Justice Reform Coalition says the NWA CSU has been a resource that’s been a lifesaver, both for individuals and for families who struggled to find appropriate resources for their loved ones.
“It’s been a lifeline in our community and a much-needed part of our health care response to people that really need that part of a place that they can go 24 hours a day to be able to seek that level of care and treatment when they’re struggling with a mental health crisis,” Moore said.
Moore doesn’t want the unit to close.
“As a person in the community who has loved ones very close to them that are neurodivergent and have serious mental illness, and knowing that our state’s in a mental health crisis, I really question the wisdom of any individual that would reduce our mental health care that’s available in our community,” Moore said.
She says taxpayers can help fund it or find another way
“We’d much rather that be spent on providing them health care than putting them in the local jail,” Moore said. “We could easily take some of those ARPA funds and we could keep this facility open through 2026. That’s something that really should be looked at, and should be looked at urgently.”
Fayetteville police chief Mike Reynolds sent a statement addressing how he feels about the situation:
Once again, it’s a concerning setback for our community’s growing mental health needs. It’s one less resource for my police officers to utilize when they encounter persons who are battling a mental health crisis where jail is not helpful or appropriate for the treatment they need. Although this is a frustrating situation, my officers and social service advocates will work diligently with local stakeholders to explore alternative solutions or resources in an effort to ensure those in crisis receive the care and support they desperately need and deserve.
Fayetteville Police Chief Mike Reynolds
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