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WestCare selected to run mental health unit

Monday, May 23, 2005 | 9:25 a.m.

SUN CAPITAL BUREAU

CARSON CITY -- The state Purchasing Division has selected WestCare of Nevada to operate a 50-bed mental health crisis unit in Las Vegas for the next year.

The division notified WestCare operator Richard Steinberg Thursday that it will begin negotiations towards a contract in the next few days. Two firms submitted proposals to the division, but the other company was not identified.

State officials have complained that the current state mental health facilities are not adequate to handle the growing number of mentally ill people in Southern Nevada, who have contributed to a crisis situation by seeking treatment in overcrowded hospital emergency rooms.

The state is building a 190-bed hospital at Jones and Oakey boulevards in Las Vegas, but it won't be ready until next year.

The proposed contract calls for 24-hour, seven day a week services. The center would detect and treat medical emergencies, and patients would be tested for alcohol and drugs.

WestCare would be required to provide after care and follow-up planning with state or community placement programs. The state Board of Examiners must approve any contract.

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