Klunk, Hospital Officials Announce Funding to Expand Behavioral Health and Crisis Treatment at UPMC Hanover

December 8, 2021

HARRISBURG – To better serve patients in the Hanover area and beyond, a $1.5 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant was approved to create a new secure behavioral health and crisis suite at UPMC Hanover, Rep. Kate Klunk (R-Hanover) and hospital officials announced today.

“Because of an increase in behavioral health and crisis patients over the past decade, this new suite will further help hospital staff provide care patients deserve,” Klunk said. “A person’s mental well-being is equally important as one’s physical well-being. I am glad to see UPMC Hanover taking this holistic approach in providing care to residents.”

The funding will be used to renovate an overflow area adjacent to the Emergency Department to create a secured Behavioral Health/Crisis pod with five rooms and a safe treatment and work area for staff with improved ability to monitor patients in a controlled setting. The pod will provide a safe space for patients who are experiencing a behavioral health or crisis episode and may be combative or pose a flight risk.

Additional renovations associated with this project will also allow the hospital to improve its Fast Track (low acuity Emergency Department patients) program and the triage and intake process for emergency patients.

“We are grateful for this funding and for Representative Klunk’s advocacy on UPMC’s behalf. This renovation is necessary to manage the growing population in the emergency department and to meet the needs of the ever-growing Hanover community,” said Michael Gaskins, president of UPMC Hanover & UPMC Memorial and senior vice president of UPMC in Central PA. “A safe and private space for patients will further improve the overall patient experience at UPMC Hanover. This also brings about an environment that better ensures the safety of our patients and clinical staff.”

Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grants address regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects. The program is administered by the Office of the Budget.

Representative Kate A. Klunk
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Greg Gross
717.260.6374
ggross@pahousegop.com
RepKlunk.com / Facebook.com/RepKlunk

UPMC
Media Contact: Malini Mattler
mattlerm@upmc.edu
717.418.4833