BayCare, the largest provider of behavioral health services in West Central Florida, held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, May 26, during Mental Health Awareness Month to mark the opening of its second Behavioral Health Urgent Care. The new center, located at 14541 Seventh St. in Dade City, Florida, offers walk-in and same-day appointments for adults in urgent need of mental health or substance use care.
“When we opened our first BayCare Behavioral Health Urgent Care in New Port Richey just over a year ago, we expected to serve 400 patients in the first year,” said Tracey Kaly, director of clinical operations for BayCare Behavioral Health. “Instead, we treated more than 1,700 patients, underscoring the strong need for immediate access to behavioral health care.”
The success of the BayCare Behavioral Health Urgent Care in New Port Richey, Florida — the first of its kind in the state — prompted demand for a second location to serve East Pasco County. Like the New Port Richey location, visitors to the new BayCare Behavioral Health Urgent Care in Dade City are welcomed into a calming environment where they undergo a screening and clinical evaluation to determine which short-term interventions are needed before being connected to resources for ongoing care.
“As the region’s leading provider of behavioral health care, BayCare is continually innovating ways to reduce stigma and improve behavioral health outcomes,” said BayCare President and CEO Stephanie Conners. “The BayCare Behavioral Health Urgent Care centers are a great example of that commitment and are a model for other health systems throughout the state. Not only are people getting the timely care they need, 97% of patients have received care without the need for hospitalization.”
In addition to Conners, other dignitaries in attendance for the ribbon cutting included U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, who represents Florida’s 12th Congressional District, Pasco County Commissioners Lisa Yeager, Ron Oakley and Seth Weightman, and members of the Pasco County Opioid Task Force, whose support was essential to bringing the new urgent care to fruition.
“Access to timely, high-quality behavioral health care can make a life-changing difference for individuals and families facing difficult circumstances,” said Congressman Bilirakis. “I commend BayCare for its leadership and innovation in opening this new Behavioral Health Urgent Care in East Pasco. Too often, individuals experiencing mental health crises or urgent behavioral health needs face barriers, delays or limited options for care. This forward-thinking approach helps ensure that people with critical needs have timely access to the treatment and support they deserve.”
The new BayCare Behavioral Health Urgent Care center in Dade City is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., with same-day appointments available by calling 352-467-6212.
For more information: BayCare Behavioral Health and BayCare Behavioral Health Urgent Care Centers
