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LA CROSSE (WKBT) — Gundersen Health System is approaching its fundraising target for a groundbreaking mental health facility that will serve as the first urgent care unit of its kind in Wisconsin.<\/p>\n
The health system has raised $5.2 million for the EmPATH unit, which stands for Psychiatric Assessment, Treatment and Healing. Only $250,000 remains to complete the fundraising campaign, following a transformational gift from the Austin and Chelsea Reinhart and Robert and Diane Reinhart families.<\/p>\n
EmPATH will function as an urgent care center specifically designed for mental health emergencies.<\/p>\n
The facility is scheduled to open early next year within the existing Behavioral Health Department on the La Crosse hospital campus.<\/p>\n
“This care is going to enhance the standard of care for our community forevermore,” said Mandy Richardson, director of Philanthropy at Gundersen Medical Foundation.<\/p>\n
Patients experiencing mental health emergencies will first be assessed in the hospital’s Emergency Department, then transferred to the EmPATH facility where they can receive treatment for up to 23 hours.<\/p>\n
“It’s a service line that many are stepping away from because it’s hard. It is not a money maker for us, we don’t produce a lot of revenue off that service line but it’s something we’re so committed to,” said Heather Schimmers, president of Emplify Health by Gundersen.<\/p>\n