New proposed Psychiatric Facility could house ‘dangerous’ mentally ill patients in North Baton Rouge

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana (WAFB) – Concerns are growing about a planned mental hospital in North Baton Rouge.

The new facility could be located in the Glen Oaks neighborhood, right next to the Forest Heights Academy of Excellence and a few blocks from Glen Oaks High School.

But what lawmakers are now involved with are those who were able to live there.

The facility will be a 118-bed intermediate psychiatric facility, according to forms filed with the Louisiana Department of Health.

They have severe and persistently It accepts the adult population with severe psychosis.

Sandra Collins’ home is across from Central Specialty Plaza, which will be home to the new facility.

“It’s pretty quiet. We have police looking out front and back, so I’m very happy,” Collins said.

She has lived in the Glen Oaks area for 17 years and has concerns about the proposed facility.

“Really, I lost some sleep because of it.

The news spread quickly throughout North Baton Rouge, from neighbors to state legislators.

“My main concern is security.

“I don’t think this is the ideal location for this type of facility, nor do I support it,” said District 15 Senator Regina Barrow.

Metro Alderman Darryl Hirst said all he was told in December was that it would be a medical facility that would bring high-paying jobs to the area.

“This is a mental institution, not a prison, so there is no barbed wire. They were sent to a facility that could hold them,” Hurst said.

The facility is right next to Forest Hides Academy, which has raised concerns from parents and educators alike.

“I don’t think it’s appropriate for our school district or community. But more than that, I don’t think it’s appropriate for me to be next to a school in any district, let alone my district,” said the Hurst City Council member. Told.

The operator of the proposed facility is Collis Temple Jr.

WAFB tried to contact him multiple times on Tuesday, January 17, to learn more about his plans for the facility, but did not hear back from him.

“Anyone who knows me knows that I am a strong advocate for people with mental health. But having a facility of this size in a community creates a recipe for disaster. I believe it’s something like that,” said Senator Barrow.

Now neighbors are wondering what this facility means for the future of the community.

“If so, I think I’ll move. It’s not worth the risk. It’s not worth my life,” Collins said.

WAFB’s Lester Duhe spoke with EBR Board of Education President Dudrius Lanus. He said there is nothing the school system can do legally, but authorities are currently reviewing all options to see if they can work with property owners to alleviate the problem. increase.

For more information on the Request for Information on Proposed Facilities from the Ministry of Health, visit click here.

A community meeting will be held at Forest Heights Academy on Saturday, January 21st at 10:00 am.

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