Center will address rising suicide and mental illness rates among kids
March 31, 2025 – – Community Health of South Florida Inc. (CHI) will host a special beam signing ceremony for its Children’s Crisis Center on March 31, 2025, at 11:00 AM. The event will take place at 10300 SW 216th St., Miami, FL 33190.
Now that the beams are erected for the 11,400 square foot state of the art facility, the project is a sign of hope for so many families in South Florida with kids who are currently suffering from severe mental illness. Right now, there is a shortage of these facilities forcing families to sometimes drive more than 100 miles with a child in crisis to get treatment.
“We are making history in South Florida,” said Blake Hall, President and CEO at CHI. “The beam signing ceremony symbolizes the collective effort and dedication of our supporters in making the Children’s Crisis Center a reality. Together, we are building a brighter future for our children.”
This ceremony offers a unique opportunity for donors, community supporters, and other stakeholders to show their support for this project and leave their mark on the Children’s Crisis Center by signing a beam that will be part of the structure. By participating, attendees will forever be a part of this vital project, contributing to the creation of a safe haven for children in need of intensive behavioral health treatment.
The Children’s Crisis Center is designed to provide a secure and nurturing environment for children facing significant behavioral health challenges. It will offer comprehensive treatment and support services, ensuring that every child receives the care they need to thrive.
Suicide rates among children are rising nationally and in South Florida. It is the second leading cause of death in Florida’s kids. Approximately 13% of children aged 3 to 17 in the U.S. have a diagnosed mental illness such as depression and anxiety according for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Yet only half receive treatment from a mental health professional. These gaps in care are sometimes due to lack of accessibility to care.
Community Health of South Florida Inc. is committed to improving the health and well-being of the community through accessible, high-quality healthcare services. The Children’s Crisis Center is a testament to this mission, providing essential resources and support to children and families in need.
About Community Health of South Florida, Inc.
For more than 50 years, CHI has been a beacon of hope providing access to high quality healthcare for all regardless of insurance status, income level or background. The non-profit federally qualified health center offers comprehensive healthcare services including primary care, pediatrics, OB/GYN, dental, urgent care, behavioral health, vision, radiology, pharmacy, telehealth, transportation and more. CHI has 13 health centers and 35 school-based sites. CHI is a recipient of the Florida Governor’s Sterling Award. It is accredited by the Joint Commission and is also accredited as a patient centered medical home by the National Committee for Quality Assurance. CHI is also designated as a behavioral health medical home. In addition, CHI is home to the Brodes H. Hartley, Jr., Teaching Health Center, training the next generation of doctors in family medicine and psychiatry.
