PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — Almost 300 calls a day pour into the 211 Helpline. Now the calls could increase from former Jerome Golden Center patients, a center that provided help for those with severe or persistent mental illness.
The center's financial struggles caused them to stop services and forced most patients to get help from other providers. During a press conference Monday, local organizations helping those patients said the few remaining services provided at the 45th location will also stop this week.
Ann Berner with the Southeast Florida Behavioral Health Network said the Center provided a lot of different services.
"That includes the day treatment, intensive outpatient and some of those there for social rehabilitation." By December 2nd, all services will be done at that location. For the few people who still live there, they have to be out by mid-December.
Clients can call the 211 Helpline if they're not sure where to go next.
Sharon L'Herrou is the president and CEO.
"We just want to remind the community that the 2-1-1 helpline is here for everyone as we have been for many years, and for people who are confused, stressed, overwhelmed, having mental health concerns."
The property is up for sale and as this last phase takes place, these organizations say they're doing what they can to help the 3800 patients. Jeremy Morse with the Mental Health America of Palm Beach County,
"To ensure that anyone who needs care and support are given the care and support that they need."
Another organization is the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Marsha Martino is the Executive Director, "We have support services for people with mental illness and support for family members."