Gibson Center for Behavioral Change puts mobile unit to the test

“We’ve had the opportunity to reach a lot of communities and we’ve been going out and visiting a lot of areas which don’t see services often.” Says, Nic Barna the Director for Behavioral Outpatient Health and says the mobile unit is used to serve surrounding communities and counties that do not have easy access to behavioral health care in Southeast Missouri.

Barna adds, “Every time we pop into a community or reach out, we have individuals that are seeking us, saying ‘Yes, please come, please come!'”

The mobile unit also delivers disaster response to those affected, being beneficial in a crisis situation or for those who have mental health issues.

CEO for the Gibson Center for Behavioral Change, John Gary says the mobile unit also offers education on the dangers of overdose by distributing Narcan, a lifesaving medication to help reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

“Access is very important, they’re able to receive services, they will receive counseling services, Narcan, they’re able to get community resources that they wouldn’t normally get.”

The 40-foot mobile unit includes a waiting room and three private exam rooms. The unit is staffed with case managers, behavioral health counselors and peer specialists.

Gary also adds, “Because they’re going out into these communities and they’re reaching so many people that we wouldn’t normally reach.”