Guests and Community Members Gathered to Celebrate Hospital’s Successful Opening, Drawing Attention to Critical Need for Services in an Expanding Community
Wesley Chapel, FL, November 6, 2013—With nearly 150 people in attendance and an outpouring of support from Pasco and surrounding counties, North Tampa Behavioral Health (NTBH) marked its grand opening with an evening of festivities on October 24. The ceremony featured speeches from Darryl Strawberry, former American Major League Baseball player in substance abuse recovery and Pat Scimone-Almasy, board member of the local Pasco County chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Both speakers discussed in earnest the overwhelming effects on patients and their families of brain disorders including substance abuse, and congratulated NTBH CEO, Jim Harris, and his devoted team of professionals for their important work.

The grand opening highlighted representatives from six area chambers of commerce who excitedly helped with ceremonial ribbon cuttings. Local photographers captured guests touring the brand new hospital’s expertly designed units with 75-beds, gymnasium, café, spacious community rooms and much more while people mingled, ate from a full buffet, and listened to live DJ music and interviews from the hospital broadcast by Oldies 106.3 radio station. Also among the guests were Mike Ciminna from the Office of Congressman Gus Bilirakis; Paula O’Neil, Pasco County Clerk of Courts; Neal Dwyer, Central Florida Behavioral Health Network; Lou Esposito, Agency for Health Care Administration Area Office 5; James Porter of Wiregrass Ranch; and doctors and representatives from area hospitals, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes.

The hospital officially opened its doors on October 1, 2013. “Helping patients in beautiful, tranquil surroundings that are secure and well cared for and that integrate research-driven programming is the focal point of our treatment,” Jim Harris remarks. “In addition to providing quality healthcare we’re here to support the local community. As we complete our staffing we will employ upwards of 200 hundred people here at NTBH,” he adds.

The celebration was also marked by donations on behalf of NTBH made to Samaritan Project of Zephyrhills and Support the Troops, and the occasion featured a photo booth, a balloon-making artist, and raffle prizes purchased from local shops and businesses.

Located in East Pasco, NTBH is very accessible from central Tampa and the surrounding counties including Hillsborough, Polk, Pinellas, and Hernando. It is just minutes East of where Interstates 275 and 75 meet in Wesley Chapel near The Shops at Wiregrass on State Road 56.

About North Tampa Behavioral Health
North Tampa Behavioral Health is a new 75-bed psychiatric and substance abuse treatment facility equipped to handle a variety of mental health needs. At the forefront of compassionate and expertly delivered psychiatric healthcare, NTBH serves adults and seniors with a team of highly skilled, Board Certified physicians, dedicated nursing staff, social workers and other allied healthcare staff. NTBH delivers care in a private, inpatient setting as well as partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programming. NTBH integrates psychiatric treatment with a continuum-of-care approach, blending recovery principles and mental health advocacy to empower individuals and their families living with mental illness. Learn more at: www.NorthTampaBehavioralHealth.com

For more information contact:
Deborah Densmore, Community Liaison
Deborah.Densmore@AcadiaHealthcare.com
813-922-3300

North Tampa Behavioral Health
29910 SR 56
Wesley Chapel, FL 33543