AUBURN, Ind. – Northeastern Center’s NEC Cares is celebrating one year of providing 24/7 services to the community. The crisis unit has not only improved access to emergency mental health care, but it has also generated an estimated $700,000 in local cost savings.
NEC Cares, which launched 24/7 services on Feb. 24, 2024, is safe place to go for anyone experiencing a behavioral health crisis. It is one of only 14 crisis receiving and stabilization centers in Indiana, designed to provide timely, effective mental health interventions in a non-clinical, homelike setting. Crisis units like NEC Cares are shown to improve mental health outcomes, reduce emergency room visits, prevent costly hospitalizations or incarcerations, and support individuals in living healthier, more fulfilling lives.
A recent
study published by the Indiana Council of Mental Health Centers shows that crisis services across the state generated an annualized savings of more than $125 million. That figure includes more than $80 million in savings by diverting individuals from hospitalization, and more than $45 million in savings by diverting individuals from jail.
In 2024, NEC Cares had 571 admissions, including 14 that were diverted from hospitals and 78 from law enforcement. Based on the state cost data, the local cost savings from these referrals is $703,514, which includes $647,634 specific to jail diversions and $55,800 in savings from emergency room visits or hospitalization.
“NEC Cares helps fill a gap in mental health care, easing the burden that often falls to local hospitals and law enforcement,” said Steve Howell, CEO of Northeastern Center. “The estimated cost savings of more than $700,000 is significant, especially in our rural communities. But the impact of supporting people in times of crisis is immeasurable. We are thrilled to see how NEC Cares will continue to create positive outcomes for our region.”
NEC Cares is located inside the Community Health and Outreach Center in Auburn. Like other crisis units, it features a “living room” setting, purposely designed to create a supportive, homelike environment.
Recent renovations at the Community Health and Outreach Center allowed NEC Cares to move into a larger space so it could accept more guests. Crews also upgraded the adjacent meeting rooms, kitchen, bathrooms and laundry room. The updated amenities help meet each guest’s basic needs.
“As a safe place to go, NEC Cares meets each person with dignity, which often means providing a shower, clean clothes and a meal,” said Dottie Fuentes, Northeastern Center’s chief clinical officer. “We are meeting their immediate needs and removing barriers to mental health services. We want the community to know that there are people here who care, and we are ready and willing to listen and help you.”
Open 24/7, NEC Cares is located inside the Community Health and Outreach Center at 1752 Wesley Road in Auburn. It is open to anyone in the area and accepts walk-ins, drop-offs and referrals. For more information, call 260-927-1246 or visit
www.nec.org.
Photo Descriptions:
Window: The Community Health and Outreach Center houses multiple Northeastern Center services, including NEC Cares. Guests check in at the newly remodeled reception window and are directed to the appropriate area.
Assessment: Guests who arrive at NEC Cares are taken to a private room for an initial assessment, which includes a check of their physical as well as mental health needs.
Living Room: Like other crisis units, NEC Cares is in a “living room” setting, purposely designed to create a supportive, homelike environment. Recent renovations at the Community Health and Outreach Center allowed NEC Cares to move into a larger space, with room to serve more guests.
Shower: During a behavioral health crisis, NEC Cares helps meet guests’ basic needs, which often includes a shower and clean clothes. Accessible showers are available in both of the newly remodeled restrooms.
Kitchen: Adjacent to NEC Cares is a newly remodeled kitchen, where guests can get a snack or meal.
