DENVER, Dec. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- HCA-[ HealthONE ], LLC announces today plans for expansion of its regional network of care to include behavioral health services. Construction will begin at The Medical Center of Aurora North Campus (I-225 & 6th Ave., 700 Potomac St., Aurora) early spring of 2012 with an anticipated open date of fall 2012.

(Photo: [ http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111216/LA24348 ])

Due to state budget cuts in recent years, mental health services have lost millions of dollars, making it difficult for patients to obtain much-needed care. Public and private psychiatric hospitals or specialized units have closed leaving Colorado at a loss, ranking the state 50th in the nation in terms of psychiatric beds per capita. One out of every four Americans experiences a diagnosable mental illness or substance abuse every year. Mental illnesses are more common than cancer, diabetes or heart disease and can affect persons of any age, race, religion or income.

"Just like in other areas of medicine, we have made great strides in the treatment of psychiatric disorders, both in terms of better medicines with fewer side effects, as well as more focused and evidence-based psychological treatments," said Dr. George Bussey, HCA-HealthONE Chief Medical Officer. "But also, just like diabetes and heart disease, psychiatric disorders have their episodic flare-ups and need for more intensive interventions and then close follow-up. This is why we are so pleased to be able to provide a continuum of care at our new facility – so that we can address not only the acute phases of illness, but also the follow-up necessary to prevent or minimize the future need for intensive treatment."

HealthONE's expansion of behavioral health care will include a 40-bed adult psychiatric inpatient unit when it opens. Future plans include adding an intensive outpatient and partial outpatient programs.

"At one point in time, Denver and Colorado were known for their excellent mental health services across the continuum of care. "With our new unit and planned partnerships with community Behavioral Health providers, we hope to once again bring positive attention to Denver and Colorado for its level and sophistication of mental health services," said Dr. Bussey.

The new HealthONE adult psychiatric inpatient unit will complement the existing HealthONE Senior Care Center, which provides mental health services to the aging population. HealthONE's parent company, Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) operates behavioral health care centers at 54 locations in 17 states and works with all 164 HCA hospitals and emergency locations to support behavioral health needs of those we serve.

In 2011, HCA and HealthONE partnered with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to help dispel the stigma of mental illness and support individuals and families affected by mental illness. HealthONE has regional alliances with NAMI and fellow mental health advocacy organization, Mental Health America of Colorado (MHAC).

"Mental Health America of Colorado envisions a healthy Colorado and that includes greater access to high quality behavioral healthcare," said Don Mares, CEO of MHAC and former State legislator and Denver Auditor. "HealthONE's behavioral health services—the expansion to include adult psychiatric inpatient care—will have a tremendously positive impact on mental health care for the Denver metro community and throughout the State," said Mares.

For more information on HealthONE behavioral health services and to track construction progress, visit [ www.HealthONEcares.com ].

About [ HealthONE: ] HealthONE is the largest health care system in the metro Denver area with more than 9,000 employees and 3,000 affiliated physicians. HealthONE hospitals have a long and trusted legacy going back more than 130 years with St. Luke's, more than 85 years with Presbyterian Denver, more than 105 years with Swedish and more than 60 years with Rose. The current health system was created in 1995 as a Colorado company and a joint venture between The Colorado Health Foundation and various affiliates of HCA. The Foundation grew to the second largest charitable foundation in the state and in October 2011 sold its share in HealthONE to HCA (NYSE: HCA).

HealthONE includes: The Medical Center of Aurora; North Suburban Medical Center; Presbyterian/St. Luke's Medical Center & Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children; Rose Medical Center; Sky Ridge Medical Center; Swedish Medical Center; Spalding Rehabilitation Hospital; Centennial Medical Plaza (affiliated with The Medical Center of Aurora); Swedish Southwest ER (affiliated with Swedish Medical Center); 14 stand-alone ambulatory surgery centers; 8 occupational medicine & rehabilitation clinics; dozens of specialty clinics; two radiation oncology centers ; and AIRLIFE-DENVER, which provides critical care air and ground transportation across an eight-state region.

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HCA-HealthONE Responds to Community Need for Behavioral Healthcare

HCA-HealthONE Responds to Community Need for Behavioral Healthcare

Denver-based regional hospital system plans new adult psychiatric inpatient unit