The Sanford Behavioral Health facility in Bemidji, MN, is a shining example of how innovative approaches to mental health care can reshape the way rural areas address behavioral health issues. By combining state-of-the-art facility design, a compassionate approach to care, and the pioneering EmPATH program, the center has emerged as a beacon of hope for rural communities.
The facility’s design was a collaborative effort between EAPC, Sanford Health, and Kraus-Anderson Construction. To bring the project to life, EAPC Senior Architect Craig Clark shared his insights including how “EAPC leveraged its experience from past crisis, residential treatment, and detox facilities for the innovative behavioral health project.”
As we celebrate National Hospital Week, it is essential to recognize the hard work and dedication of healthcare professionals and organizations like EAPC, Sanford Health, and Kraus-Anderson Construction that have made a significant impact on the lives of rural Minnesotans.
The nationwide expansion of this model promises to improve access to mental health care services, reduce stigma, enhance patient satisfaction, and create a healthier, more resilient population. As we continue to address the growing mental health crisis in rural communities, facilities like the one in Bemidji serve as a guiding light, leading the way to a brighter future for those in need.
To learn more about the groundbreaking Sanford Bemidji Crisis Center and its impact on rural Minnesota, we invite you to read the full article in MN Physician publication, titled “A Beacon of Hope: How Bemidji’s New Facility is Reshaping Behavioral Health in Rural Minnesota and Beyond.”
Click on the image below to see a video about the project.