Pensacola, Fla. (April 22, 2024) – People facing mental health crises now have an easily accessible, centralized place to receive care, thanks to a new program at Lakeview Center. A new Central Receiving Facility (CRF) is now open at Lakeview Center’s main campus in Pensacola.
The CRF will help meet a growing need in Northwest Florida to address how people in crisis are cared for under the Baker Act, Florida’s mental health law (Florida Statute 394.451-394.47891). Someone who has been “Baker Acted” or “placed under the Baker Act” refers to an involuntary examination under the law, allowing for people in crisis to be retained at a facility for stabilization purposes for up to 72 hours. During that time, an evaluation is done by a medical doctor, psychologist or advanced registered nurse practitioner. The Lakeview Center CRF is now the designated entry point for adults living in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties who need a Baker Act Screening.
“As a central receiving facility, Lakeview Center is positioned to ensure a smooth continuum of care from crisis support to the appropriate inpatient or community-based care, outpatient treatment or residential program,” said Shawn Salamida, president of Lakeview Center. “With more than 60 programs from Escambia to Walton County, Lakeview Center’s team members are well-prepared to connect those in crisis to the follow-up care that best suits their needs.”
Adults will be transported to Lakeview Center’s CRF by law enforcement partners, where they will be screened. If admission is needed, they will be transported by Lakeview Center to Baptist Health Care or HCA Florida West based on a rotation system that considers patient preference and capacity. As a support to the CRF, and an expansion of capacity for the uninsured, Lakeview will also operate a Crisis Stabilization Unit for inpatient care. Adolescents and children will continue to receive care through Baptist Health Care, which is the designated CRF for all persons 18 years old and younger. The 2,275 square foot CRF is staffed by psychiatrists, APRNs, nurses, technicians, therapists, peer support specialists and behavioral health staff. The $5.4 million project created 90 new jobs at Lakeview Center.
For information about mental health services available at Lakeview Center, call 850-469-3500 or visit eLakeviewCenter.org.