BLUEFIELD, WV (LOOTPRESS) – WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital (PCH) celebrated the 15th anniversary of The Behavioral Health Pavilion of the Virginias (BHP), marking a decade and a half of compassionate, high-quality mental health services for individuals across West Virginia, Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky.
Since opening its doors, the Pavilion has provided inpatient care to approximately 22,500 individuals and supported 82,500 individuals through its outpatient programs. Today, it serves as a 64-bed behavioral health hospital, offering psychiatric medication management, individual and family counseling, and an intensive outpatient program designed to prevent hospital stays or assist patients in transitioning from inpatient to outpatient care.
“Fifteen years ago, Princeton Community Hospital embarked on this journey with a vision—to create a place where individuals could find hope, healing, and support. Our facility has become a beacon of hope for those in need, and it is all because of the dedication of our team and the support of our community,” said John Nekic, executive director of the Behavioral Health Pavilion.
The need for accessible mental health services in West Virginia continues to grow. More than a quarter of West Virginians consider their mental health to be fair or poor and the state faces higher rates of substance use compared to the national average.
Recognizing these challenges, PCH is expanding its commitment to behavioral health care. This spring, PCH will break ground on a new full-service emergency department, co-located at the BHP. This project will enhance emergency care for both acute patients and those experiencing behavioral emergencies.
“With our plans for the new emergency department, we are creating a space that not only provides immediate care for emergency patients but also offers close, seamless access to behavioral health services,” said PCH President and CEO Karen Bowling.
“This is a critical step forward in ensuring that those in crisis receive the care they need without unnecessary transfers or delays. This project will make a significant impact on the lives of the people we serve.”
