Burrell Behavioral Health is hosting a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Behavioral Health Crisis Center at 107 Texas Ave. on Oct. 21 at 10 a.m.

According to a press release from Burrell, the new crisis center, which is coming from the help of the city of Columbia APRA funding, will expand crisis services access to the city of Columbia, Boone County and the mid-Missouri area.

 The new building will be three times the size of the current Burrell facility on 1805 E. Walnut in Columbia and clients can experience up to 72 hours of care compared to up to 23 hours at the existing BHCC.

Burrell CEO Mat Gass and Columbia Mayor Barbara Buffaloe plan to speak at the groundbreaking ceremony.

“After the pandemic, the demand for additional mental health services – especially acute services – grew exponentially,” Buffaloe says in the press release. “This investment in our community and the residents who live here will make us stronger.” 

The press release says the existing BHCC facility will continue to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, while the construction is going on at the new crisis center.