Those who help Southwest Floridians going through some of the toughest situations in life, including mental health and substance abuse treatment, are still dealing with some degree of inner crisis, even two years after Ian’s death.
The organization, SalsCare, was formed in 2013 with the merger of Lee Mental Health Center and Southwest Florida Addiction Services. The 46-bed crisis stabilization unit at 10140 Deer Run Farms Road flooded during the storm. SalsCare officials said moisture rose up the walls as much as two feet. The facility was temporarily closed after the storm.
In February 2023, Salscare officials decided to renovate the building on Deer Run Farms Road, with the goal of reopening in May 2023 after a $1.3 million project.
But the facility’s closure was a major post-storm blow to the organization and Southwest Florida. CSU admits 500 to 600 patients per month for evaluation under the Baker Act, averaging 250 to 300 children and adults in crisis each month, according to SalsCare. When the facility closed, patients who would have gone to CSU were sent to Lee Health Emergency Department, Park Royal Hospital, the David Lawrence Center and the Charlotte Behavioral Health Center.
Murals line the hallways of the new pediatric wing of SalusCare’s rebuilt Crisis Stabilization Unit.
Image courtesy
Though CSU has been up and running for more than a year, the financial turmoil following Ian hasn’t completely subsided: The $1.3 million project cost was paid for with reserves and a new line of credit after insurance payments were held up by litigation.
A SalusCare spokesman said $900,000 was approved by the state Legislature to cover CSU’s damages, but litigation with the insurance company continues over reimbursement for additional repair costs.
Overall, SalsCare has spent more than $4 million to repair parts of its facilities damaged by Hurricane Ian, with insurance payouts totaling $260,000, the spokesperson added. That $4 million (plus the $260,000 from insurance) also includes work at its damaged Cape Coral facility, which remains closed pending FEMA approval for building repairs and damages.
Related articles
Another aspect of the revenue hit following Ian’s death is the $5 million drop in revenue for SalusCare while CSU was closed. (SalusCare had revenue of $29.89 million in its most recent fiscal year, according to publicly available tax returns, and is funded from a variety of sources, including the Florida Department of Children and Families, the Lee County Veterans Services Agency, patient fees, some insurance reimbursements, grants, fundraising efforts and donations.)
From insurance to repairs to its Cape Coral facility, the uncertainty of continuing to provide services has taken a toll on the organization’s staff and leadership, said Jessica Prazewski, executive vice president and chief operating officer. “It’s been very tough and frustrating,” Prazewski said. “At the end of the day, we want to provide these critical services, but we’re stuck in no man’s land.”
