Imperial County Behavioral Health Services (ICBHS) celebrated the groundbreaking of a new adult residential substance use disorder treatment facility on Thursday, marking a milestone in expanding access to behavioral health and recovery services for Imperial County residents. The event brought together county leadership, community partners, project collaborators, and behavioral health advocates to recognize the collective effort behind the facility’s development. Gabriela Jimenez, assistant director of ICBHS, provided a welcome, followed by remarks from Leticia Plancarte-Garcia, ICBHS director; Imperial County Board Chairwoman Peggy Price; and Dr. Kathleen Lang, Imperial County Executive Officer.
Dr. Kathleen Lang stated, “Today marks an important milestone for Imperial County as we break ground on our adult residential substance use disorder treatment facility. This project represents more than just construction; it reflects our commitment to expanding access to care and supporting individuals and families on their path to recovery.” Plancarte-Garcia emphasized the importance of local access to treatment, saying, “Everyone deserves the chance to recover close to home, surrounded by support. For too long, individuals have had to leave their community to access residential care.” She noted that ICBHS had intentionally expanded services and built a community-based system of care, but acknowledged a gap that remained: the lack of a local residential substance use disorder treatment facility. “This facility will help close that gap and expand opportunities for individuals and families in Imperial County to heal and recover.”
During the ceremony, Victoria Mansfield, Deputy Director of ICBHS, presented special recognitions to Imperial County staff members and partners whose dedication advanced the project. A significant moment came when Kristen Mitosinka, peer support specialist, shared her personal recovery journey and emphasized the importance of support, compassion, and access to treatment. Having been in recovery for two years, Mitosinka offered perspective on why facilities like this are vital—not only as treatment spaces but as places of hope, dignity, and new beginnings for individuals and families impacted by substance use disorders. The ceremony concluded with a formal groundbreaking ceremony featuring local dignitaries and project partners, symbolizing the beginning of a facility designed to provide essential residential treatment services for adults experiencing substance use disorders.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.ivpressonline.com/news/icbhs-celebrates-groundbreaking-for-adult-residential-substance-use-disorder-treatment-facility/article_822aaeb4-7f07-4643-a69d-2cdab0f58757.html