Prairie View move may be 'blessing in disguise'
Staff reporter
Prairie View of Marion County is looking for a new location — hopefully in Marion.
The board of directors of Marion County Hospital District #1 determined the building currently being used by Prairie View would be better served by the hospital.
Prairie View has had a contract with the hospital for the building at 504 S. Roosevelt, Marion, for several decades. Six years ago, Prairie View was considering a new location when the building became too small. Renovations kept the counseling service in the hospital-owned building until the board determined the hospital needed it.
According to St. Luke Hospital Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Armstrong, Prairie View was notified April 20 of the board's decision. The contract ends June 30.
Prairie View's main campus is located in Newton. Marion is one five satellite offices with one in McPherson and Hutchinson, and two in Wichita. Marion's office serves Marion County residents and employs more than 30 people.
Richard Archer of Prairie View said all efforts are being made to remain in Marion.
"We have good relationships in Marion and we don't want to leave," Archer said.
Numerous referrals to the clinic are a result of court orders. It is far more convenient to remain in the same city with court services, Archer said.
Services started in 1964 as a community mental health center. Since that time, Marion County Commission has supported mental health services in the county at the South Roosevelt location.
"It is one of those blessings in disguise," Archer said. "You get used to working in an area and end up staying and making do with what you've got. This is a positive for us to have to find another location with more space and options."
Not just any space will do. Confidentiality is an important aspect of the business. A downtown location isn't being ruled out but there is something to be said for being located in a residential area.
"People seeking services like the quiet neighborhood feel," Archer said. Patients like the idea that not everyone knows they are seeking treatment.
If nothing else, the mental health providers are looking for a location that could be used while they are in transition of perhaps constructing a new building in Marion.
Archer stressed the most important issue through all this is to maintain a level of confidence with patients.
