By Sydney Zatz, Valley News Live
GRAND FORKS, N.D. (Valley News Live) – It’s the start of a new beginning as ground broke on an expansion to Altru’s Behavioral Health Center.
When all is said and done, 24 new beds will be added to the center. Right now, there are 18 adult beds and six for adolescent patients.
“It’s part of an overall process that I actually think the state of North Dakota has been good at for a long time. That doesn’t mean we can’t get better,” Governor Kelly Armstrong told Valley News Live at Tuesday’s event.
“The biggest thing is making sure we recognize mental health is physical health. This is a great way to give people treatment.“
The governor says the state has been hard at work to increase behavioral health care. This legislative session, critical funding was secured to help with the expansion. Representative Emily O’Brien, who spoke at Tuesday’s event, helped to lead the effort.
“These services are imperative to those who need them the most, and sometimes, the ones who are unable to advocate for themselves.”
This won’t be the only place for care in the region. Earlier this year, Bridges to Recovery opened in Jamestown. Resources, Governor Armstrong says, Grand Forks needs a similar facility.
“It’s going well. One of the things is that we have to figure out the human resources as well. When you run a hospital, there are easier ways to fill 24 beds. So it really takes a commitment from the organizations and a recognition that this is something everyone needs.”
Minnesota lawmakers are also working to make sure vulnerable inmates are in treatment centers and not behind bars. It’s a similar effort being seen in North Dakota.
“They’ll take them wherever they can get them out of crisis. If they can take them here, instead of the county jail, they would rather do that because they know the services exist. Is this enough? No. Is it a great start? Is it something that should absolutely be celebrated by Grand Forks and the community? Yes.”
The facility is expected to be done by the Fall of 2026.
