CARMEL – Putnam County legislators have reallocated $2.1 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds originally earmarked for the creation of a 24 hour per day, seven day a week crisis stabilization center proposed by People USA to infrastructure improvements related to school safety, mental health, substance abuse, food insecurity, roads, bridges and buildings countywide.
The lawmakers made the decision at this week’s monthly meeting because the ARPA funds must be spent by December 31, the deadline set by the U.S. Treasury.
Residents had been passionate on both sides of the aisle when testifying at a Carmel Planning Board public hearing last year on a plan to locate the center in Carmel. In the end, it was rejected by the seven-member board.
The United States is facing a behavioral health crisis and Putnam County is not immune.
People USA explained that a crisis stabilization center would allow those in mental hygiene crisis, be it substance abuse or mental health, to voluntarily visit the facility staffed by licensed clinicians, nurses, and peer specialists in a less traumatic experience than a hospital emergency room.
After two sites for the center fell through in 2023, a new site was selected at 1071 Stoneleigh Avenue in Carmel, providing whole health assessments in addition to motivational interviewing and de-escalation.
The center’s proposed location was adjacent to the Putnam Rail Trail where a woman was attacked in 2024 by a homeless man, as well as near an over-55 senior housing complex. The Putnam Plaza Shopping Center was also within walking distance.
At a public hearing, numerous residents of The Retreat, including a woman who identified herself as a psychologist, charged that Carmel had become “destabilized.”
The Carmel Planning Board listened to its constituency and rejected the proposal by a unanimous vote.
Legislature Chairman Dan Birmngham said, “due to circumstances beyond our control it became clear that People USA was unable to perform under the contract to deliver around the clock services and that People USA had not expended funds by June 1 in accordance with the terms of the contract.”
County Executive Kevin Byrne executed as termination of convenience of the contract last month.
Comments