Long-sought Deschutes County Stabilization Center set to open Monday

Sheriff Shane Nelson toured facility on Wednesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Deschutes County Stabilization Center, a long-sought facility to help those struggling with mental health issues, will open on Monday.

Deschutes County Sheriff Shane Nelson got a tour of the new center off Highway 20 in Bend. The facility is a joint effort between the  sheriff's office and Deschutes County Health Services to provide an alternative place for people in crisis.

Instead of the emergency room or jail they'll be able to get the help they need from health professionals.

"This is really important to have, because not everyone needs to be in jail," Nelson said. "We want to divert some of the vulnerable members of our society away from the criminal justice system, when it's warranted."

The center will operate between 7 a.m and 9 p.m, Monday through Friday. The stabilization center's goal is to offer 24-7 service as soon as possible.

The center will have a "soft opening" on Monday and a more formal grand opening in July.