Orlando Health Has New Plans For A Specialty Hospital With Acadia

Orlando Health is moving forward with plans for a new specialty hospital in association with Acadia Healthcare, a company based out of Franklin, Tennessee. The nonprofit health organization, which holds $8.1 billion in assets and $5.2 billion in 2022 revenue, has submitted a huge development plan for the future 144-bed behavioral health hospital. This hospital, covering 100,000 square feet over two stories, will replace Orlando Health's 80-bed Longwood behavioral health facility, establishing part of its tenacity to improve the Orlando Health South Seminole Hospital campus. The building timeline hasn’t been determined yet, as the health system does not presently own or lease the 10.17-acre property.

Driven By Increasing Mental Health Needs

The need for this type of hospital is driven by the increasing mental health needs in the Central Florida region, worsened by factors like the opioid epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a report by the Central Florida Collaborative, which includes local organizations working to meet health and community requirements, the pandemic and other factors have led to a rise in the acuteness of behavioral health in the region. Although, this situation has also encouraged more honesty about mental health issues, helping to break down stigmatization within certain populations.

This new behavioral health facility will play a vital role in addressing the mental health needs of the community. According to the report, there are fewer mental health providers per capita in Osceola and Lake counties compared to Orange and Seminole counties. To lessen this gap, the hospital will provide more expedient access to healthcare services for residents in need.

A Substantial Healthcare System

Orlando Health is a substantial healthcare organization with over 3,000 beds across more than 20 hospitals and emergency departments. With 18 operational hospitals and five more underway, the system provides a wide range of services, including specialty institutes and primary care. The healthcare system has over 25,000 employees and more than 4,000 doctors with privileges across its facilities. In fiscal year 2022, Orlando Health served 142,000 inpatients and 3.9 million outpatients, showcasing its wide reach and pledge to provide healthcare services to the community.