Citizens of not only Marshfield but Webster and surrounding counties will be happy to hear that more access to behavioral health care is on the way.
On Oct. 27, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new upcoming Marshfield Clinic of Burrell Behavioral Health.
Many area leaders joined Burrell staff and leadership in celebration of the new 5,000 sq ft clinic, which will be at 1069 Banning St.
"Today we celebrate an even greater commitment from Burrell to Webster County and break ground on this brand-new behavioral health center," said Scott Allen, Webster County Health Department Administrator.
During his speech, Allen mentioned the new clinic would be "a welcomed addition to Webster County."
He included some facts and told those in attendance that while Webster County ranks favorably among Missouri counties in many public health categories, unfortunately, the county ranks higher than state or national averages in terms of residents with mental illness issues. Burrell's new Marshfield Clinic, he said, will increase access to behavioral health services in several ways, "including not only increased staffing but also introducing creative ways to help our residents receive access to care."
The total cost for the clinic is $2,075,000. Funding was provided by the State, which covered half of the investment, and Burrell provided the other half.
Currently, the Marshfield Clinic of Burrell operates in the Marshfield Village Shopping Center at 1350 Spur Dr., Suite 230. The services offered include addiction recovery, community services, adult and youth outpatient, adult and youth psychiatry, and telehealth services. Given the clinic's current size and staff, it can be challenging to help all those looking for or needing more in their struggle with mental health.
"Accessibility and availability of services are among the top challenges facing rural residents across the nation, and especially in Missouri," said Clay Goddard, Southwest Region President of Brightli, Burrell's parent company. "Our new Marshfield Clinic, with its expansion of providers and services, helps address both of those challenges for residents of this community."
With the new location near Interstate 44, it will be conveniently accessible to the communities it serves and more significant in size and scope than the current location. It is expected that with the new clinic, the team will double, which means not only more robust existing services but also the potential to offer more, such as group therapy.
"I grew up and spent my entire childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood in the rural midwest where there was a lack of resources," said Elizabeth Avery, Burrell's Southwest Region Chief Operating Officer. "When resources came in, there was a fear that it could leave or go away at some point. My hope is that this groundbreaking, will communicate to the community that we are not only here to stay but to grow, expand, and invest in the work we have been doing."
During his speech, Goddard would mention that the Marshfield Clinic is a testament to Burrell's commitment to establish permanent roots in Webster County. The timing of the project could not come at a more crucial juncture.
"Mental health access is a significant need in rural communities," he said. "A nationwide survey in 2021
found that over one in five adults in rural areas reported having a mental illness. And 5.1% of adults in non-metro areas reported having serious thoughts of suicide in the past year." Goddard also pointed to the recent Ozarks Health Commission Community Health Assessment report, which listed mental health and substance use among the top three public health issues in the Springfield region. The region includes Webster, Christian, and Greene counties.
The new Marshfield Clinic is expected to be completed in 12 to 18 months.
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