BJC seeks okay for mental unit

“We have filed a certificate of need application on Feb. 22,” said Anil Jain, CEO. “By April 22 we will know if there is any opposition to our application.”

According to Jain, both Athens Regional Medical Center and Northeast Georgia Medical Center have mental health units and have indicated they will not oppose the BJC application.
“They see a need in the community,” Jain said.

The facility would provide psychiatric services to people over 50 who have dementia, Alzheimer’s disease or other psychological needs.

“We’re having to send patients or residents to Atlanta because we do not have the services in this area,” said Jain.

The facility will receive word June 22 whether or not the application is approved.

“We expect it will be approved,” Jain said. From that point, he added, it would take four to five months to construct the unit. Jain said the medical center will contract with a psychiatrist and will add 12-16 full-time employees to staff it.

“We’re excited about being able to offer new services for our community,” Jain said. “It will also help stabilize the hospital because it is adding another service.”