PUNTA GORDA, Fla. – Commercial construction company J.E. Charlotte Construction Corp. recently completed the over 6,000-square-foot expansion of the Margo Lang Children’s Crisis Stabilization Unit for Charlotte Behavioral Health Care, a source for mental health and substance abuse programs and services.
Expected to serve 1,500 patients a year, the new space has 10 children’s beds with double and single bedrooms, a children’s activity room, a parental visitation area, an outdoor recreation area, a nurses station, four bathrooms and administrative space. Built to prison standards, the Children’s Crisis Stabilization Unit has 75 cameras inside and outside the facility, and the safety and comfort of the unit’s patients were all taken into the consideration with the building’s design and all of its elements.
The $2.3 million addition, which sits on the organization’s current 40-acre campus, will provide much-needed help to children and adolescents ages 5 – 17 and their families in crisis.
“This building is built almost to prison standards, but the very last thing we wanted was for this to feel like is a prison,” said Victoria Scanlon, CEO of Charlotte Behavioral Health Care. “Every item in it needs to be seriously considered as a potential source of injury, and things like towel bars and door handles – normally benign – can be used for harm. What a journey we’ve had to arrive at this beautiful building. J.E. Charlotte Construction and Charlotte Behavioral Health Care were on a mission to build this together while keeping operations going, and we did it.”
On Thursday, Nov. 2, attendees gathered for a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony and saw a slideshow presentation of the new space. Located at 1700 Education Ave. in Punta Gorda, the expanded wing is now open and accepting patients.
About J.E. Charlotte Construction Corp.
J.E. Charlotte Construction, backed by more than 30 years of experience in the commercial building industry, provides a full range of construction management services. The company is among the top 50 contractors on Florida’s Gulf Coast, with a portfolio of successful and distinctive buildings. J.E. Charlotte Construction’s specialties span a range of commercial applications, including the healthcare, retail and country club and recreational industries.
Jeff Charlotte, president and CEO of J.E. Charlotte Construction, and his team are dedicated to providing efficient and sustainable construction products and practices. The construction firm’s buildings are not only environmentally conscious but also provide immediate and long-term economic benefits. J.E. Charlotte Construction helps build stronger communities — one commercial project at a time. For more information, visit JECharlotte.com or call 941-445-4045.
About Charlotte Behavioral Health Care
Operating for 47 years, Charlotte Behavioral Health Care’s seeks to optimize health, improve quality of life and build an overall feeling of wellness for all children, adolescents, adults and families in Charlotte County. More than 2,000 children and a total of 11,000 residents are treated annually at CBHC for mental illnesses, behavioral disorders or substance abuse addictions.
CBHC has partnered with The Fred Lang Foundation, a not-for-profit charitable organization to help individuals find the hope for a brighter tomorrow, through effective mental health and substance abuse treatment provided to children and families in Charlotte County. For more information, visit www.cbhcfl.org.