SOUTHWEST DISTRICT HEALTH OPENS FREE SUPPORT CENTER IN NAMPA FOR YOUTH IN CRISIS
Media Invited to Western Idaho Youth Support Center Open House January 25 3-6p
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 25, 2024
(Nampa, ID) — Southwest District Health is set to open the Western Idaho Youth Support Center (WIYSC) to the public this Monday, January 29th. WIYSC is hosting an open house for the media, first responders, schools, health systems, and community-based behavioral health organizations today, January 25th from 3-6pm. This preview event will be held at WIYSC located at 204 10th Avenue South in Nampa. The support center, operated by Pathways of Idaho, will help set youth in crisis on a path to healing, and will be open 24 hours a day, every day to provide youth ages 10-17 free services. The center will provide a place for youth to calm the crisis, rest, eat, and get the help they need for up to 23 hours and 59 minutes during a crisis situation.
Once at the center, youth will meet with a compassionate team of center staff who will help teens and pre-teens work through their crisis and provide them with resources to support them on their healing journey. Whatever the situation, the center will admit anyone 10-17 years of age who is medically stable. Services will include a safe place to be during any crisis, crisis intervention and mental health support, basic medical screening, mental health evaluation, and ongoing support.
A crisis looks different for everyone, but may include thoughts of suicide, bullying, homelessness, physical or sexual trauma, emotional abuse, loss of a loved one, excessive stress, or anxiety & depression. The center will welcome youth who feel they are in a crisis situation and will help them transition to other services, if more appropriate or for continued support after their initial stay.
Youth crisis centers have been proven to prevent escalation in family conflict and violence in the home. They also help to avoid expensive and unnecessary hospital visits, and involvement with the juvenile justice system or inappropriate incarceration because of a behavioral health crisis.
A guardian’s involvement in their youth’s journey toward healing is vital. Parents and legal guardians are encouraged to join youth at the center and are required to consent to treatment for youth under age 14.
Learn more about the center at WesternIdahoYouthSupportCenter.org.
ABOUT SOUTHWEST DISTRICT HEALTH
Southwest District Health is one of seven public health districts throughout Idaho established to protect and promote the health and wellness of those who live, work, and play in our region. We proudly serve Adams, Canyon, Gem, Owyhee, Payette and Washington Counties. We work in partnership with our community to identify health needs, design solutions, and implement services that encourage behaviors contributing to healthier, longer lives. Learn more at SWDH.org.
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Media Contacts:
Monique Evancic, Public Information Officer
Southwest District Health
Monique.Evancic@phd3.idaho.gov
208-800-1262