A Memphis-based company is interested in building a new, 72-bed psychiatric hospital in Scott County.
On Wednesday, August 12, 2015, representatives from Strategic Behavioral Health pitched the plan to the Davenport City Council. The company already runs eight facilities across the country, with three more under construction. Now, they're looking to build a hospital in either Davenport or Bettendorf.
Aldermen, though, ultimately voted to table a resolution of support for Strategic Behavioral Health while seeking more information.
The proposal was met with concern from the Quad Cities' existing mental healthcare providers, including representatives from UnityPoint Health's Robert Young Center and Genesis.
"I'm concerned that the potential is there to cripple the existing system," said Dennis Duke, president of the Robert Young Center.
Duke says there is a misunderstanding of the need for mental health services.
"The common belief right now it seems is that the shortage of beds is the issue, but really it's the shortage of staff," said Duke. "There are no providers. There's a shortage of providers, and with another provider coming into town, such as Strategic Behavioral Health, that will just increase the competition for the providers that we're all looking for."
Jim Shaheen, president of Strategic Behavioral Health, acknowledged that there is a nationwide shortage of psychiatrists. However, he said his company won't recruit staff away existing facilities, but instead, bring in new clinicians to the community and share them with all providers.
"There is a dramatic need in the area. It's part of why we're here," said Shaheen.
On Tuesday, Genesis announced plans to add at least 50 beds to the hospital's Behavioral Health Department, including several for children.
Shaheen welcomed the news, and said there's plenty of demand for everyone.
"We're happy that Genesis is considering bringing more beds. We think that's fantastic. There is a need. The fact that they are considering that backs up our argument that there is a need in the community," said Shaheen.
The City Council is expected to discuss the resolution again during next week's briefings.