Yankton welcomed the opening of the Park Haven Learning and Recovery Center on Monday, expanding local options for women battling substance use disorders. The 18‑bed residential treatment center is situated at the corner of Summit and West Fifth streets, directly across from Avera Sacred Heart Hospital and near Westside Park.
Public‑private partnership drives the project
The facility is the product of a collaboration between Avera Sacred Heart Hospital and Lewis and Clark Behavioral Health Services. Avera constructed and now owns the building, while Lewis and Clark will operate the clinical programs and provide recovery services. The partnership reflects a growing trend of health systems joining forces with behavioral‑health providers to address the opioid crisis and other substance‑related challenges in the region.
Services tailored to women and families
Park Haven is designed specifically for women, offering a safe, supportive environment for those who are pregnant or who have dependent children. The center provides comprehensive care that includes medical detoxification, individual and group counseling, parenting support, and after‑care planning. By keeping mothers and their children together whenever possible, the program aims to strengthen family bonds and reduce the risk of relapse.
Community impact and future outlook
Local officials and community leaders praised the opening as a critical addition to Yankton’s health‑care infrastructure. The center is expected to create several jobs, ranging from clinical staff to support personnel, and to draw patients from surrounding counties who previously traveled farther for gender‑specific treatment.
“Having a dedicated facility for women right here in Yankton is a blessing for families,” said a representative from the Yankton County Health Department. “It aligns with our commitment to protect the health and well‑being of our community while supporting parents in their recovery journeys.”
As the center begins admitting patients, it will also coordinate with local social‑service agencies to ensure that families have access to housing, childcare, and employment resources during and after treatment. The collaborative approach underscores the importance of a holistic response to substance use disorders, one that respects the dignity of each individual and the role of the family.
Looking ahead
Park Haven’s leadership plans to monitor outcomes closely and share best practices with other regional providers. If successful, the model could serve as a blueprint for similar facilities in other South Dakota communities seeking to address the unique needs of women and families affected by addiction.
Original reporting: The Dakota Scout (Sioux Falls) — read the source article.
