US-based behavioural healthcare services provider Acadia Healthcare Company and Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital, a 230-bed regional healthcare centre, have commenced the construction of a new behavioural health hospital.

The milestone was marked by a groundbreaking ceremony held on the site of the hospital at 3620 S 24th Street in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

The event, attended by dignitaries and leaders from the two healthcare entities along with Council Bluffs Mayor Matt Walsh, featured an architectural rendering of the future hospital.

This rendering has been created to offer enhanced care for patients experiencing severe mental health and substance use disorders, Acadia stated.

Once open, the new behavioural health hospital will cater to the residents of western Iowa and eastern Nebraska.

Expected to open in 2026, the new facility will be named ‘Methodist Jennie Edmundson Behavioral Health’.

Methodist Jennie Edmundson Behavioral Health campus will have a total of 96 inpatient beds, of which 24 will particularly be used for offering mental healthcare services for children and adolescents.

Acadia highlighted that the hospital would incorporate advanced technology and resources to enhance access to mental health services in the area.

Graham Construction & Engineering is overseeing the construction-related work as the general contractor for the project.

Meanwhile, Stengel Hill Architecture is designing the project.

Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital president and CEO Dave Burd said: “Methodist Jennie Edmundson Behavioral Health will allow us to address the current and future demands of patients with acute symptoms of mental health disorders, and today marks a celebration of such investment in our community’s health and well-being.”

Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital operates as a part of the Methodist Health System, which is headquartered in Omaha.

The new healthcare facility is being opened as part of the existing joint-venture partnership between Acadia Healthcare and Methodist.

Acadia Healthcare chief operating officer Dr Nasser Khan said: “We are so proud to be affiliated with Methodist and to work together to expand high-quality care, helping to meet the rising need in this area.

“This behavioural health hospital will be a strong member of the Council Bluffs community, collaborating with all organisations, hospitals and first responders in western Iowa and eastern Nebraska.”