Celebrating the groundbreaking of the Southeast Regional Crisis Center

  • News
  • Jun 23, 2020
Five people standing spaced out in front of shovels at the groundbreaking event for the southeast regional crisis center

Representatives from many southeastern Minnesota counties, Mayo Clinic, Olmsted Medical Center, the southeast Minnesota chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), health plans, as well as Minnesota State Senator Dave Senjem met in Rochester on June 23, 2020 to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Southeast Regional Crisis Center (SERCC).

The SERCC is being built directly behind the 2117 building (2117 Campus Drive SE) on the Olmsted County government campus in Rochester. 

During the groundbreaking event, Olmsted County Commissioner Stephanie Podulke explained that the SERCC will provide the right care, at the right time, at the right place.

As for right care, Podulke said, “The crisis center will serve individuals of all ages living with mental illness who will be seen by professionals who will greet them with understanding, compassion, and mental health expertise.”

As for the right time, Podulke explained that the SERCC will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week “to people of all ages, regardless of the type of mental health crisis or ability to pay.” And, once the SERCC opens its doors in spring 2021, people in southeast Minnesota will “no longer have to wait hours or longer in busy emergency rooms for help.”

Commissioner Podulke standing in front of a podium speaking into a microphone at SERCC groundbreaking

As for the right place, Podulke said the SERCC is being designed to be “a safe, calm, and welcoming environment designed to meet the unique needs of people experiencing a crisis.” She also noted that it will be in Rochester, Minnesota near other county community services.

Podulke also explained why this facility is needed in our region.

Nearly 1 in 5 U.S. children is diagnosed with a mental disorder, but only 20% receive care from a specialized mental health care provider.

On average, more than 500,000 adults in Minnesota have a mental illness, yet only 48% receive treatment. 

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. – about one death every 11 minutes. 

“The Southeast Regional Crisis Center will help us in our shared responsibility to aid some of our most vulnerable citizens and fill serious gaps in care for those experiencing mental illness,” noted Podulke.