SYRACUSE -- Syracuse Behavioral Healthcare is planning a major renovation project that will likely bring new services and jobs to Central New York.
The multi-year project includes renovating the former Jacobsen Space at the Learbury Building on North Salina St. in Syracuse. The new space is expected to hold offices for administration, residential services, and a substance use disorder/mental health outpatient clinic.
The new building will also allow the agency to move some of its offices out of its current space on James St. in Syracuse. That will allow the organization to transform the James St. location into an exclusively inpatient facility.
Jeremy Klemanski, the CEO & President of Syracuse Behavioral Healthcare, says the need for these services is large in Central New York. Syracuse Behavioral Healthcare served 5,423 people in the past year.
He says the expansion will allow people who need substance use disorder and mental health services to be treated in the same clinic. It will also decrease the number of people who are on waiting lists. Counselors will also have individual offices, which will allow them to hold more one-on-one meetings with clients.
Syracuse Behavioral Healthcare currently employs 215 people. Klemanski says the expansion will likely allow them to hire 25-30 more people. He expects construction on the Learbury Building to start in April.
According to Syracuse Behavioral Healthcare, 2.5 million New Yorkers are affected by alcohol, drug or gambling addictions.
What do you think about this expansion? Do you think there is a need for more substance abuse and mental health services in Central New York? Post your comments below.
