UNC Health Appalachian, Charles A. Cannon Jr. Memorial Hospital, Behavioral Health Unit

In 2014, the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration labeled Avery County in North Carolina a Designated Mental Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA). By 2016, Cannon Hospital was only able to admit 10% of all psychiatric referrals received. Amidst this demand, the NCDHHS selected the hospital for a $6.5 million Dorothea Dix Hospital Property Fund grant to expand the number of behavioral health beds. This is a first-in-the-nation example of a dedicated Behavioral Health Inpatient Hospital directly connected to a Critical Access Rural Hospital — each autonomous but attached and sharing a “hardened Emergency Department” with BH Observation wing, imaging, and helipad.

Led by McMillan Pazdan Smith’s design team, the 25,000 SF renovation expands the existing 10-bed unit by converting 27 existing acute medical beds into a new Inpatient Behavioral Health Unit. A new entrance on the first floor connects renovated support spaces and the existing unit, as well as a new outdoor behavioral health space adjacent to the existing unit.

To overcome a potentially stigmatic aesthetic of behavioral health, we strived to maintain the welcoming, home-like “Lodge” feel of the existing hospital. The beautiful vistas of the Blue Ridge mountains were uncompromised by protecting existing “picture” windows with an inboard panel of impact-resistent polycarbonate glazing. This first-ever use of this system in a behavioral health setting allows patients to safely enjoy natural light and sky views in patient rooms.

The strategic location of the renovation will reduce travel distances to inpatient beds and wait times for individuals in emergency departments who need behavioral health care.