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.

###

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