New Behavioral Health Center Opens Mercy Health - Lorain Hospital

LORAIN, OH — Mercy Health - Lorain Hospital opened its new Behavioral Health Access Center (BAC) this month. The facility offers specialized care to patients with mental health and addiction emergencies, the hospital system said in a statement.

The opening of the new BAC represents the completion of a years-long project. In 2019, Lorain County Community College awarded a $325,000 grant to Mercy Health - Lorain Hospital to "refresh" the existing BAC.

“The BAC is the first point of contact for patients who are experiencing a behavioral health emergency and need of mental health services," said Dr. Balaji Saravanan, Lorain Hospital psychiatric medical director.

The updated BAC now has six beds and will be staffed around-the-clock by psychiatric services, while offering an expanded list of services for patients.

“Mercy Health – Lorain Hospital is focused on meeting the behavioral health care needs of the Lorain community. We are called by our ministry’s Mission to extend the compassionate ministry of Jesus and bring good help to those in need. The BAC, as well as our in-patient and out-patient behavioral health services, enable us to fulfill that mission and deliver high-quality, compassionate care to the people of Lorain close to home,” said Dr. Gil Palmer, Mercy Health – Lorain Hospital president.