A newly renovated crisis center in Papillion is giving people experiencing mental‑health challenges a safe place to turn instead of rushing to a hospital or dialing 911. The Heartland Family Services Crisis Stabilization and Resource Center offers a 24‑hour staffed facility where behavioral‑health professionals provide short‑term support and, when needed, up to 24‑hour residential care.
What the Center Provides
Director Jenny Stewart explained that the center’s residential portion contains 12 beds, allowing individuals to stay for a full day while they work with navigators to identify the help they need. “The average visit lasts about 10 hours,” Stewart said, noting that many guests go on to receive up to 90 days of case management at no cost.
In addition to the residential beds, the facility includes an entry triage area that can accommodate roughly 10 to 15 people awaiting assessment. The center serves residents of Sarpy, Douglas, Cass, Washington and Dodge counties, and Stewart reported that capacity has not been an issue since opening.
How It Differs From a Hospital Visit
Senior manager of system coordination for Region 6 Behavioral Healthcare, Miles Glasgow, highlighted a key difference: “So often when you go into a hospital, you’re left with a packet of referrals to make. With Heartland, you leave with someone that you’ve met.” The center’s staff includes a registered nurse who can facilitate prescription access when appropriate, ensuring continuity of care without the disorienting hand‑off typical of emergency‑room visits.
Community Impact
Since the program began at the Sarpy County location in 2024, the center has become a vital resource for families dealing with a range of crises—from a stressful day at work to domestic violence situations at home. Stewart emphasized that help is available now, and individuals do not have to wait for a crisis to worsen before seeking assistance.
By offering immediate, compassionate care and ongoing case management, the Papillion crisis center aims to reduce the burden on local hospitals, keep families together, and provide a pathway to longer‑term recovery.
Original reporting: KMTV 3 News Now (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
