This browser does not support the Video element.
AUSTIN, Texas - Up until recently deliveries at a building along Sabine Street behind the old Brackenridge Hospital, were for the Medical Examiner.
The boxes unloaded Monday contained beds for what is now a sobering center. Center Director Dr. Rhonda Patrick says the site is a safe place for intoxicated people who have not committed a violent criminal act.
"If we really want to have a true impact on reducing the number of individuals, especially our young people, who are having problems with substances, this is where that needs to happen,” said Patrick.
There are separate common areas for women and men with enough space for up to 80 people. Staff members are in each room along with video monitoring, as well as extra security if needed.
"We have really a lot of good ideas and experience in de-escalating those situations,” said Patrick.
Renovations costs almost hit $900,000. The annual operating budget is $2 million. Its estimated one intoxicated person will cost the center around $102. While those who are brought in will not have to pay a fee, Patrick believes there is a savings.
"We do know the booking cost alone at the jail is about $154 and if you add officer time at $62 and hour,” said Patrick.
Factor in ambulance crews and hospital care; costs can be in the thousands.
"We are really avoiding the high costs so we can use those resources for people who really need that kind of care,” said Patrick.
In counseling rooms, the long term costs can be addressed, according to staff member Brian Lynch
"We have a standardized screening approach to find out is this patient in a no risk, low risk group or is this somebody that is putting themselves in a harmful situation, if so we can provide harm reduction education, and if this is somebody in the substance abuse disorder categories we can assess what type of services do they need, and actually connect them with them,” said Lynch.
The center will officially open up October 1st with 24-hour care. That's just before ACL a major entertainment event here in Austin. To help the staff prepare; for the next six weeks the center will be open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturday nights.
It’s somewhat of a soft opening.
"You can train people in vivo, with volunteers or what but it’s not really the real thing,” said Patrick.
The extra time is critical. Music festivals attract thousands of people. An over-flow contingency plan is already in place.
"We are working with Austin event planning that manage all that with EMS and APD, to really make sure we have a solid plan about who needs to come here, who needs to stay there in the Triage Tent, and then who needs to go to the ER,” said Patrick.
The center will not take walk ups; you have to be brought in by a law enforcement officer. Those who stay will not be allowed to leave on their own.