SOMERSET, Pa. — Today, UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Twin Lakes celebrated the opening of a new, state-of-the-art facility, welcoming UPMC leadership, local elected officials, board members, staff and community members.
"This project truly demonstrates a shared commitment to enhance the quality of health and life in the communities we serve," said Deborah Brodine, president of UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital and UPMC Western Behavioral Health. "As I look around this morning at this pristine space, it's hard to fathom it was only last year when we took shovels to the dirt at the groundbreaking."
The $16 million expansion project includes the addition of a 19,300-square-foot building and renovation of the existing facility. It is set to increase the number of beds by 60% and add 15 new jobs.
"In the face of an escalating need and a service area that now reaches into southwestern Pennsylvania, more than ever, Twin Lakes is an important pillar and collaborator in the vitality of this region," said Joel Yuhas, executive vice president of UPMC and president of the Health Services Division. "It's a perfect example of the type of community impact that embodies the values and mission of UPMC."
"As identified in our recent Community Health Needs Assessment, behavioral health services, especially as it pertains to substance use disorder treatment, has long been and remains a top priority for our region," said Andy Rush, president of UPMC Somerset. "Through our affiliation with UPMC, patients in our community receive the excellence and expertise of UPMC Western Behavioral Health — a national leader in diagnosis, management, and treatment of mental health and addiction disorders — delivered locally by our teams."
This project was funded through substantial support from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) and the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), as well as generous contributions from the Richard King Mellon Foundation and the Wheeler Family Charitable Foundation.
