A bold initiative to expand behavioral health services in North Dakota is on the table, as House Bill 1468 seeks $16 million in state funding to increase inpatient care beds at St. Alexis Hospital in Bismarck. The proposed expansion would boost the facility's capacity from 18 to 48 acute care beds, with a significant focus on adolescent mental health needs.

During a recent Senate Appropriations meeting, market president of St. Alexis, Reed Miller, outlined the urgency of the project, emphasizing that the funding would solely cover construction costs, while operational expenses would be managed by the hospital itself. "This is not just about building more beds; it's about addressing a critical need in our community," Miller stated.

If approved, the project is set to break ground in October 2025, with plans to open the new facility by October 2026. The expansion aims to provide much-needed support for adolescents facing mental health challenges, as current resources are insufficient. Sister Nancy Miller, director of Mission Integration at St. Alexis, highlighted the historical commitment of the Benedictine sisters to meet community health needs, stating, "Behavioral and mental health rises to the top of our community health needs assessment repeatedly."

The proposed facility will not only serve local patients but will also cater to adolescents from across the state, filling a gap left by the state hospital, which currently lacks an adolescent unit. The need for such services is underscored by the overwhelming demand for existing programs, with over 30 applicants vying for just 16 spots in their partial hospitalization program.

Senator Mather raised concerns about the integration of services with facilities in Dickinson and Williston, to which Miller assured that communication and collaboration are already in place, as both hospitals are part of the same health network.

The bill's passage is crucial for the timely execution of the project, as delays could push the timeline back by several years. "Without this funding, we would have to resort to fundraising, which would significantly delay our efforts," Miller explained.

As North Dakota grapples with rising mental health issues, the proposed expansion at St. Alexis Hospital represents a proactive step towards enhancing care and support for vulnerable populations, particularly adolescents in need of immediate assistance.