Crisis Recovery Center Opens in September 2025
The DuPage County Health Department hosted the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Crisis Recovery Center (CRC). DuPage County officials, state representatives, mayors in DuPage County, and first responders were in attendance.Deb Conroy, DuPage County Board Chair, remarked that this was “a great day in DuPage County.” She emphasized that the new CRC creates the gold standard for mental health “in our own backyard.”
The CRC is meant to provide an alternative to jails and emergency rooms for people in crisis, either for mental health or substance use. The mental health unit provides crisis care for youth aged 5-17 and adults aged 18 and older. Although clients can stay up to 24 hours, CRC staff expect that most won’t stay that long. At the time of intake, staff will work with clients to determine the next steps in their care.
In addition to mental health services, the CRC also boasts a substance use unit. Instead of taking individuals under the influence to the emergency room, they will instead be treated at the Crisis Recovery Center for up to seven days. As Stephen Holtsford, the Health Department's Substance Use Medical Director, said, “This is a win for the community and a win for emergency rooms.”
"The opening of the DuPage County's Crisis Recovery Center (CRC) later this month will be a historic event! Members of the planning team researched the few similar places which exist around the country - determined to build a facility which would be second to none. We have achieved that goal! It is beautiful, spacious, welcoming, and safe. Our CRC will be open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week to care for children and adults with mental health and/or substance use crises. DuPage County's CRC will be the model for any other counties or hospital systems who have the heart to give hope to patients with such desperate needs," said Lanny Wilson, MD, Vice-President of the Board of Health and DCMS member.