Gibson Center introduces new mobile unit

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – The Gibson Center for Behavioral Change celebrated the grand debut of its new mobile unit.

“They’ve been assessing the need for some time,” said Dr. Vera Campbell-Jones, nursing professor at the Southeast Missouri State University.

The mobile unit will be used to serve surrounding communities and counties that do not have easy access to behavioral health care in southeast Missouri.

“They have facilities in there that’s very convenient,” said Campbell-Jones.

Ryan Essex is the Chief Operating Officer for the Gibson Center. He spoke at the ribbon cutting that was held for the mobile unit.

“Our plan is to have it out on the road, about four days a week in various communities throughout southeast Missouri,” said Essex.

The main purpose of the mobile unit, as Essex says, is to provide behavioral health services to rural communities but to also deliver disaster response to those affected.

“It would be very beneficial to others that may be in a crisis situation or have mental health issues or maybe they don’t have,” said Campbell-Jones.

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

The mobile unit will also offer education on the dangers of overdose by distributing Narcan, a lifesaving medication to help reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.