Category: Uncategorized

The Bridge Center for Hope celebrates its third anniversary providing crisis care to East Baton Rouge Parish residents

Baton Rouge, La (February 19, 2024) — ​​THE BRIDGE CENTER FOR HOPE, Louisiana’s first crisis receiving center, recently celebrated its third anniversary providing essential services to East Baton Rouge Parish residents experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis.

One-fifth of adults suffer from a mental disorder in the United States, and the number of citizens in our community requiring mental health and substance use treatment services has drastically increased over the years while the number of qualified providers is steadily on the decline.

“Mental health crises come in different forms and can affect anyone. Many circumstances can lead to a mental health crisis, which may cause a person to feel uneasy to the point where they may harm themselves or others or be unable to care for themselves,” says Executive Director Charlotte Claiborne. “That’s why we’re here to help.”

The Bridge Center was created to help fill the void by providing quality crisis care for individuals and offering a place where the people of Baton Rouge can turn to during a behavioral health crisis.

The Bridge Center opened in February 2021, operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, which allows people to access the facility no matter what they are going through or what time of day it is.

“People can access the facility any time, day or night. We have two entries, one for the general public through the lobby and one for law enforcement and first responders who can also bring individuals in crisis to the Bridge Center for admission rather than taking them to the parish prison or an overcrowded emergency room,” says Executive Director Charlotte Claiborne. “And with the Bridge Center’s response time of under five minutes, it allows them to return to their duty quickly and safely for our community. In essence, the Bridge Center is an emergency room for behavioral health crises.”

The Bridge Center has served 8,304 and admitted 7,895 individuals in its first three years of operations. The facility offers a range of crisis stabilization and crisis care services, including crisis observation, short-term psychiatric care, withdrawal management and detoxification, and a mobile crisis team.

“Our mission is to create the right pathways to treatment for people in crisis and to create an integrated continuum of care from prevention to rehabilitation so that individuals can get the help they need,” says Claiborne.

The Bridge Center accepts all forms of insurance and provides services to both insured individuals and those who are uninsured or underinsured 18 years and older.

The Bridge Center for Hope facility is located at 3455 Florida Blvd, across from the Baton Rouge General Mid City campus. For more information, call 225-256-6604 or visit https://brbridge.org.

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About The Bridge Center for Hope
The Bridge Center for Hope, an independent nonprofit, was formed to help East Baton Rouge Parish residents experiencing a mental health crisis and/or substance use challenge and ensure they receive quality care and attention. The Bridge Center for Hope’s mission is to provide pathways to treatment for people experiencing behavioral health issues and to link providers to create an integrated continuum of care from prevention to rehabilitation. For more information, visit brbridge.org.

About RI International
RI, founders of the Living Room model in 2002, deliver no-wrong-door crisis facility-based services across the country with rapid growth targeted. RI’s Campus of Connection model includes a strong peer workforce and surrounds the individual with support on their journey towards recovery. To learn more, visit riinternational.com.

Agency contact:
Ginny Engholm
For Good Content
225-329-6408
ginny@forgoodcontent.com

The Bridge Center for Hope contact:
info@brbridge.org

The Bridge Center for Hope hosts the 3rd Annual Bridging the Gap Community Event

Baton Rouge, La (April 25, 2023) — ​​THE BRIDGE CENTER FOR HOPE, in partnership with RI International, will once again host its annual Bridging the Gap Community Event to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and addiction to the citizens and community of East Baton Rouge Parish.

The event will provide citizens and community partners with an opportunity to learn about The Bridge Center for Hope and highlight the agencies and organizations that are providing critical services addressing the whole person in our community, as well as help to break down silos around mental health and other community services.

“Since opening our doors in 2021, we have served over 6,000 people,” stated Executive Director Charlotte Claiborne. “We rely heavily on our community partners post-discharge for providing the continuum of care.”

The event features 31 mental health and community service partners, including Louisiana Department of Health – Office of Behavioral Health, Capital Area Human Services, Office of the Public Defenders, Mid City Redevelopment Alliance, the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs, and many others. The event will allow people to mingle, visit the vendor participants’ tables, and have one-on-one interactions to learn more about the numerous programs and services available to residents of East Baton Rouge Parish.

“This is our 3rd year hosting this event. We host it during May’s Mental Health Awareness month to highlight critical issues, help break down the stigma surrounding mental health and substance use, and encourage those in need to seek help,” said Claiborne. “As a community, we face many challenges when it comes to mental health, but we don’t have to face those challenges alone.”

What: 3rd Annual Bridging the Gap Community Event

Who: The Bridge Center for Hope, in partnership with RI International

Where: Main Library, Goodwood

When: Tuesday, May 16, from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM and from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM

List of Participants:Start Corporation
The BRidge Agency INC
Beacon Behavioral
NAMI Louisiana
Capital Area Human Services District
Crossroads Recovery Center of Louisiana
NAMI Baton Rouge
HOPE Ministries
Cognitive Development Center
O’Brien House
Pre-Trial Diversion & Recovery Progr
am
Voice of the Experienced (VOTE)
Avenues Recovery Centers
CareSouth Medical and Dental
Louisiana Department of Health/ Office of Behavioral Health
Humana Healthy Horizons
Beacon Behavioral
Pure Mind Counseling & Wellness
Louisiana Health and Rehab Center
Set Free Indeed
Louisiana Mental Health Association
St. Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy
St. Vincent de Paul Shelter Program
All Out Community Care Services, LLC.
Balm Of Gilead Christian Counseling Center, LLC
Mid-City Redevelopment Alliance
LASACT
Humana
Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs
AmeriHealth Caritas Louisiana
Open Healthcare
Upward Health
Office of the Public Defender

For more information on the event, please visit https://brbridge.org/bridging-the-gap-community-event/ and for more information on the Bridge Center for Hope’s services, please visit https://brbridge.org.

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About The Bridge Center for Hope
The Bridge Center for Hope, an independent nonprofit, was formed to help East Baton Rouge Parish residents experiencing a mental health crisis and/or substance use challenge and ensure they receive quality care and attention. The Bridge Center for Hope’s mission is to provide pathways to treatment for people experiencing behavioral health issues and to link providers to create an integrated continuum of care from prevention to rehabilitation. For more information, visit brbridge.org.

About RI International
RI, founders of the Living Room model in 2002, deliver no-wrong-door crisis facility-based services across the country with rapid growth targeted. RI’s Campus of Connection model includes a strong peer workforce and surrounds the individual with support on their journey towards recovery. To learn more, visit riinternational.com.

Agency contact:
Ginny Engholm
225-329-6408
ginny@forgoodcontent.com

The Bridge Center for Hope contact
Charlotte Claiborne
225-308-1032
info@brbridge.org

The Bridge Center for Hope hosts the 2nd Annual Bridging the Gap Community Fair

Baton Rouge, La (May 10, 2022) — ​​THE BRIDGE CENTER FOR HOPE, in partnership with RI International, will once again host its annual Bridging the Gap Community Fair to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and addiction to the citizens and community of East Baton Rouge Parish.

The event will provide citizens and community partners with an opportunity to learn about The Bridge Center for Hope and highlight the agencies and organizations that are providing critical services addressing mental and behavioral health challenges in our community, as well as help to break down silos around mental health and other community services, open doors to new services and providers, and form new partnerships in order to heal the whole person.

The fair features 32 mental health and community service partners, including Healthy BR, Louisiana Department of Health – Office of Behavioral Health, Capital Area Human Services, Catholic Charities Diocese of Baton Rouge, the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs, and many others. The event will allow people to mingle, visit the fair participants’ tables, and have one-on-one interactions to learn more about the numerous programs and services available to residents of East Baton Rouge Parish.

“The event is hosted during Mental Health Awareness Month to bring awareness to this important issue, help break down the stigma surrounding mental health and substance use, and encourage those in need to seek help,” stated Executive Director Charlotte Claiborne. “A mental health crisis or substance use issue is not defined by demographics such as economic status, gender or race. We want to let everyone in our community know that help is available.”

What:
2nd Annual Bridging the Gap Community Fair

Who:
The Bridge Center for Hope in partnership with RI International

Where:
Main Library, Goodwood

When:
Tuesday, May 17, from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM and from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM

List of Participants:

  • The Bridge Center for Hope
  • RI International
  • When You Are Ready
  • Healthy BR
  • CHANGE
  • Volunteers of America GBR – Reilly Counseling Center
  • The City of Baton Rouge – Ryan White Program
  • Beacon Behavioral Hospital
  • Family Road of Greater Baton Rouge
  • FOAM (Fathers On A Mission)
  • Start Corporation
  • Seaside Health System
  • The BRidge Agency, INC
  • Department of Public Safety and Corrections – Adult Probation and Parole
  • Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Catholic Charities Diocese of Baton Rouge
  • Capital Area Human Services District
  • Vital Resource Solutions, Inc
  • LA Department of Health – Office of Behavioral Health
  • Positive Direction Recovery Resources
  • Louisiana Spirit
  • AmeriHealth Caritas Louisiana
  • Louisiana Peer Action Advocacy Coalition
  • The Baton Rouge Community Street Team
  • Pre-Trial Diversion & Recovery Program
  • Open Health Mobile Outreach
  • Volunteers of American Mobile Outreach
  • Capitol Area Reentry Program Mobile Outreach
  • Open Health
  • Family Services of Greater Baton Rouge
  • Baton Rouge General
  • NAMI Louisiana/Baton Rouge

For more information on the Bridge Center for Hope’s services, please visit https://brbridge.org.

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About The Bridge Center for Hope
The Bridge Center for Hope, an independent nonprofit, was formed to help East Baton Rouge Parish residents experiencing a mental health crisis and/or substance use challenge and ensure they receive quality care and attention. The Bridge Center for Hope’s mission is to provide pathways to treatment for people experiencing behavioral health issues and to link providers to create an integrated continuum of care from prevention to rehabilitation. For more information, visit brbridge.org.

About RI International
RI, founders of the Living Room model in 2002, deliver no-wrong-door crisis facility-based services across the country with rapid growth targeted. RI’s Campus of Connection model includes a strong peer workforce and surrounds the individual with support on their journey towards recovery. To learn more, visit riinternational.com.

Agency contact:
Ginny Engholm
For Good Content
225-329-6408
ginny@forgoodcontent.com

The Bridge Center for Hope contact:
info@brbridge.org

The Bridge Center for Hope celebrates its first anniversary offering services to East Baton Rouge Parish residents, releases report on first year of services

Baton Rouge, La (April 4, 2022) — ​​THE BRIDGE CENTER FOR HOPE, Louisiana’s first crisis receiving center, recently celebrated its first anniversary of providing essential health services to East Baton Rouge Parish residents experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis.

The Bridge Center opened its 26,000-square-foot facility just over a year ago in February 2021, providing an alternative to the parish prison or local emergency rooms for individuals experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the Bridge Center has a “no wrong door policy,” adopted by RI International, the facility’s service provider, that allows people to access the facility no matter what they are going through or what time of day it is.

“The original idea for this facility was formed in 2016 to fill the void of quality care for individuals in crisis,” stated Executive Director Charlotte Claiborne. “Our first year of service has shown how much impact a center dedicated to providing help to those experiencing mental health or substance use crisis in our community can have.”

The center includes a 23-hour observation unit that provides stabilization services, a short-term psychiatric unit that provides services to individuals who require a little more intensive care, a medical detoxification unit, a mobile response team that provides crisis intervention and stabilization services in the community, a centered-based respite unit, and a care management team to aid in the continuity of care.

The Bridge Center served 2,286 and admitted 2,141 individuals over the course of its first eleven months. Fifty-one percent received treatment for substance use or a co-occurring disorder, and 49% received treatment for mental health disorders. Of those, the total number of individuals entering the facility on their own was 1,255 (59%), and the total number of first responder escorts was 888 (41%). Just 14% of those served were readmitted within 30 days after receiving services at the facility. For both January and February of this year, the center had 396 presentations and 389 admits, 277 of which were direct entry and 112 of which were first responder escorts.

The Bridge Center accepts all forms of insurance and provides services to both insured individuals and those who are uninsured or underinsured 18 years and older. Because the center does not turn anyone away, out-of-parish resident costs are covered by RI International.

“We want to break down the stigma surrounding mental health and substance use by letting people know that our services are available,” stated Claiborne. “Our services are not defined by demographics such as economic status, gender or race. We serve anyone 18 years and older experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis in our community.”

The Bridge Center for Hope facility is located at 3455 Florida Blvd, across from the Baton Rouge General Mid City campus. For more information and to read the Bridge Center for Hope’s full 2021 annual report, please visit brbridge.org/reports.

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About The Bridge Center for Hope
The Bridge Center for Hope, an independent nonprofit, was formed to help East Baton Rouge Parish residents experiencing a mental health crisis and/or substance use challenge and ensure they receive quality care and attention. The Bridge Center for Hope’s mission is to provide pathways to treatment for people experiencing behavioral health issues and to link providers to create an integrated continuum of care from prevention to rehabilitation. For more information, visit brbridge.org.

About RI International
RI, founders of the Living Room model in 2002, deliver no-wrong-door crisis facility-based services across the country with rapid growth targeted. RI’s Campus of Connection model includes a strong peer workforce and surrounds the individual with support on their journey towards recovery. To learn more, visit riinternational.com.

Agency contact:
Ginny Engholm
For Good Content
225-329-6408
ginny@forgoodcontent.com

The Bridge Center for Hope contact:
info@brbridge.org

The Bridge Center for Hope announces free community event to increase mental health awareness

Baton Rouge, La (May 17, 2021) – THE BRIDGE CENTER FOR HOPE, the first-ever adult crisis receiving center in East Baton Rouge Parish and the State of Louisiana, is pleased to present the Bridging the Gap to Mental Health Awareness community event and upcoming roadshow to bring attention to the importance of mental health awareness in the Baton Rouge community.

The Bridge Center for Hope opened in February of this year at a time when Baton Rouge’s overdose deaths and mental illness struggles hit an all-time high. Serving residents of East Baton Rouge Parish, The Bridge Center for Hope is designed as a short-term crisis stabilization center to treat individuals 18 years or older experiencing a mental health crisis and/or substance use challenge. The center provides the necessary care and comfort to individuals in crisis with the ultimate goal of connecting guests to longer-term care that meets their needs.

Since 1949, May has been recognized as Mental Health Awareness month throughout the United States. This year, The Bridge Center for Hope is taking strides to break the stigma of mental illness and bring greater awareness to mental health in our community.

In partnership with community organizations and sponsors, The Bridge Center for Hope is hosting the Bridging the Gap event to educate the community and offer an opportunity for citizens to come together and learn about the various resources available within East Baton Rouge Parish to help those in need.

Citizens and community organizations are invited to attend the Bridging the Gap event on Wednesday, May 19, 2021, at the East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library located at 7711 Goodwood Blvd. The event is free and open to everyone in the community, and it will feature two sessions throughout the day at 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., and 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to practice safe distancing and will be required to wear face coverings when indoors.

The Bridging the Gap tour will begin this week with the free community event. And throughout the coming months, The Bridge Center for Hope and participating organizations will host multiple events that will provide additional opportunities for citizens to learn more about resources and services offered in our community. For more information on future events, please visit brbridge.org.

The Bridge Center for Hope facility is located at 3455 Florida Blvd, across from the Baton Rouge
General Mid City campus. The center is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for anyone 18 years or older regardless of income or insurance. For more information and to stay informed of news about The Bridge Center for Hope, please visit brbridge.org.

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About The Bridge Center for Hope:
The Bridge Center for Hope, an independent nonprofit, was formed to help East Baton Rouge Parish residents experiencing a mental health crisis and/or substance use challenge and ensure they receive quality care and attention. The Bridge Center for Hope’s mission is to provide pathways to treatment for people experiencing behavioral health issues and link providers to create an integrated continuum of care from prevention to rehabilitation. For more information, visit brbridge.org.

Agency contact:
Jennifer Vaccaro
225-234-0067
jennifer@think-brew.com

The Bridge Center for Hope contact:
info@brbridge.org

The Bridge Center for Hope announces grand opening offering services to East Baton Rouge Parish residents

Baton Rouge, La (February 9, 2021) – The Bridge Center for Hope, the first-ever adult crisis receiving center in East Baton Rouge Parish and the State of Louisiana, is proud to announce the facility’s grand opening on Thursday, February 11 at 10 a.m. The facility, designed as a short-term crisis stabilization center to treat individuals 18 years or older experiencing a mental health crisis and/or substance use challenge, will be open to the public and ready to serve residents of East Baton Rouge Parish.

“The original idea for this facility was formed in 2016 to fill the void of quality care for individuals in crisis. And through the help of many individuals over the years, this vision has become a reality,” stated Executive Director Charlotte Claiborne. “After facing many obstacles and challenges, we persevered, and we are so pleased to now offer services to those in need and to support our community of East Baton Rouge Parish.” 

The Bridge Center for Hope’s Board of Directors selected RI International (RI) to operate the facility. The center will employ RI’s “no wrong door” approach where anyone experiencing a crisis is welcomed, whether they walk in on their own, are escorted by loved ones, referred by a provider agency or transferred by first responders or law enforcement. They will also utilize RI’s successful “Crisis Now” model, which is an evidence-based nationally endorsed approach to crisis care that prevents suicides, provides immediate help for those in distress, reduces the cost of care, and reduces the strain on emergency rooms, prisons, and law enforcement.

The Bridge Center for Hope consists of four units and will operate six programs. The programs will include a Mobile Response Team for community-based crisis intervention, a 23-hour crisis stabilization unit, a 16-bed short-term psychiatric unit, a 16-bed substance use detoxification unit, a 16-bed center-based respite unit, and a care management team that will provide navigation and linkage for guests to outpatient services and appropriate community resources post discharge from the facility.

The Bridge Center for Hope facility is located at 3455 Florida Blvd, across from the Baton Rouge

General Mid City campus. The center will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week for anyone 18 years or older regardless of income or insurance. For more information and to stay informed of news about The Bridge Center for Hope, please visit brbridge.org.

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About The Bridge Center for Hope:
The Bridge Center for Hope, an independent nonprofit, was formed to help East Baton Rouge Parish residents experiencing a mental health crisis and/or substance use challenge and ensure they receive quality care and attention. The Bridge Center for Hope’s mission is to provide pathways to treatment for people experiencing behavioral health issues and link providers to create an integrated continuum of care from prevention to rehabilitation. For more information, visit brbridge.org.

About RI International:
RI, founders of the Living Room model in 2002, deliver no-wrong-door crisis facility-based services across the country with rapid growth targeted. RI’s Campus of Connection model includes a strong peer workforce and surrounds the individual with support on their journey towards recovery. To learn more, visit riinternational.com.

Agency contact:
Jennifer Vaccaro
225-234-0067
jennifer@think-brew.com

The Bridge Center for Hope contact:
info@brbridge.org

The Bridge Center for Hope hosts public open house in anticipation of grand opening

Baton Rouge, La (December 14, 2020) – The Bridge Center for Hope, the first-ever adult crisis receiving center in East Baton Rouge Parish and the State of Louisiana, is pleased to host an open house on Wednesday, December 16, where the facility will be open to the public for viewing and touring.

Formed in 2016, The Bridge Center for Hope was created to fill the void of quality care for individuals in crisis and develop and implement a model for crisis services in the Baton Rouge area. The facility is designed to treat individuals experiencing a mental health and/or substance use crisis.

“We are delighted to provide an opportunity for the citizens of Greater Baton Rouge to tour our beautiful, new facility and learn about the incredible services we will be offering the community,” stated Executive Director Charlotte Claiborne. “We are proud to provide this community asset that the residents of East Baton Rouge Parish voted for.”

The Bridge Center for Hope has selected RI International (RI), an international non-profit behavioral health organization, to operate the center. RI is a global organization that offers more than 50 programs throughout the United States and abroad. The company has a successful history of providing a range of mental health, substance use, and crisis services since 1990. RI’s mission is to empower people to recover and find meaning and purpose in life—to reconnect with themselves and other members of their communities.

Following its grand opening planned for later this month, The Bridge Center for Hope will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week for anyone 18 years or older regardless of income or insurance. It will employ RI’s no “wrong door” approach, which means that anyone experiencing a crisis is welcomed, whether they walk in on their own, are escorted by loved ones, referred by a provider agency or transferred by first responders, or law enforcement. Additionally, the center will utilize RI’s Crisis Now model, an evidence-based nationally endorsed approach to crisis care that prevents suicides, provides immediate help for those in distress, reduces the cost of care, and reduces the strain on emergency rooms, prisons and law enforcement.

The Bridge Center for Hope facility is located at 3455 Florida Blvd, across from the Baton Rouge

General Mid City campus. The event is open to the public and will be held on Wednesday, December 16, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Masks will be required for attendance and while touring the facility.

For upcoming news and additional information about The Bridge Center for Hope, please visit brbridge.org.

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About The Bridge Center for Hope:
The Bridge Center for Hope, an independent nonprofit, was formed to help East Baton Rouge Parish residents experiencing a mental health crisis and/or substance use issue and ensure they receive quality care and attention. The Bridge Center for Hope’s mission is to provide pathways to treatment for people experiencing behavioral health issues and link providers to create an integrated continuum of care from prevention to rehabilitation. For more information, visit brbridge.org.

About RI International:
RI, founders of the Living Room model in 2002, deliver no-wrong-door crisis facility-based services across the country with rapid growth targeted. RI’s Campus of Connection model includes a strong peer workforce and surrounds the individual with support on their journey towards recovery. To learn more, visit riinternational.com.

Agency contact:
Jennifer Vaccaro
225-234-0067
jennifer@think-brew.com

The Bridge Center for Hope contact:
info@brbridge.org

RI International in partnership with the Bridge Center for Hope

Baton Rouge, La (November 11, 2020) — ​​RI International (the service provider for the Bridge Center for Hope) is seeking Licensed Mental Health Professionals (LMHP) for immediate positions.

The duties of the LMHP is to develop a recovery service plan and use recovery-oriented therapeutic counseling to engage individuals in their recovery.  The LMHP also collaborates and assesses individuals’ needs by developing goals in their treatment and recovery process.

LMHP must have a Master’s Degree in Psychology, Social Work, or related field from an accredited college or university and possess one of the following licensures:

  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
  • Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC)

Interested persons are asked to send their resume to Lysha Best, Louisiana State Director for RI International, at lysha.best@riinternational.com. For additional details, please visit https://www.brbridge.org.

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About The Bridge Center for Hope
The Bridge Center for Hope, an independent nonprofit, was formed to help East Baton Rouge Parish residents experiencing a mental health crisis and/or substance use challenge and ensure they receive quality care and attention. The Bridge Center for Hope’s mission is to provide pathways to treatment for people experiencing behavioral health issues and to link providers to create an integrated continuum of care from prevention to rehabilitation. For more information, visit brbridge.org.

About RI International
RI, founders of the Living Room model in 2002, deliver no-wrong-door crisis facility-based services across the country with rapid growth targeted. RI’s Campus of Connection model includes a strong peer workforce and surrounds the individual with support on their journey towards recovery. To learn more, visit riinternational.com.

Media contact:
Charlotte Claiborne
Executive Director of The Bridge Center for Hope
225-308-1032
cclaiborne@brbridge.org

The Bridge Center for Hope contact:
info@brbridge.org

RI International Recommends Arkel Constructors for Bridge Center Project

Baton Rouge, La (May 6, 2020) — On Friday, May 1st, the Bridge Center for Hope Board of Directors held a Special Board meeting for RI International (RII), the selected service provider to operate the Bridge Center to announce their recommendation for a general contractor. RII recommended Arkel Constructors and was unanimously approved by the Board.

Per RII executives, Arkel offered the most comprehensive bid and the quickest construction time for the center. The $3.8 million, 24,000 square feet center will be completed by late fall and is expected to open this year. The center will have the capacity to serve up to 5,000 people per year.

Licensed staff will stabilize people and offer them a path to mental health and/or substance use treatment.

The center will be located in Mid City, across from Baton Rouge General. Operations will be funded by $6 million in annual taxes that were passed by voters in November 2018.

Bridge Center, a nonprofit, selected RI International to operate the center. RII is the leading provider of crisis services in the country, and its innovative protocols have become industry standards.

Sahene Construction was the other bidder; four firms started the bid process but didn’t submit an offer. RI International recommended Arkel for several reasons. Arkel’s bid included a detailed project schedule, with substantial site completion by November 2nd. As well, the company has experience in building medical facilities.

This proposal allows for a simultaneous launch of the crisis receiving center, substance use, and respite programs as opposed to a phased approach. Also, the price is below comparable facilities that range from $4.6 to $5.2 million.

“RI International reported that no other facilities are providing this level of comprehensive care. Having this facility will become a huge community asset for the residents of East Baton Rouge Parish, and we’re excited to be able to deliver a facility of this caliber under one location for the community,” said Charlotte Claiborne, Bridge Center Executive Director