Mayor Luries plan to add new treatment beds removes 97 current ones

Mayor Daniel Lurie announced a controversial plan to convert 97 treatment beds at the Behavioral Health Center into 57 secure “locked” beds for patients needing intensive psychiatric care. This decision, part of Lurie's goal to add 1,500 treatment beds, will displace 82 long-term residents, inciting protests from nurses concerned about patient welfare. Jennifer Esteen, a psychiatric nurse, criticized the move as a manipulation of statistics that endangers vulnerable patients who may face homelessness or health decline. The Department of Public Health reassured residents that they would not lose housing and that relocations would occur only when suitable options were found. However, nurses remain doubtful about the quality of care in alternative facilities.

The city plans to invest $21. 3 million in renovations to support this transition, which they describe as a rare opportunity to serve complex clients. The announcement highlights ongoing tensions in mental health care policy, as advocates push for more focus on existing patients. The changes are expected to take effect within the next four to five months.