In May of this year, Renown Health announced the new Stacie Mathewson Behavioral Health and Addiction Institute - scheduled to open its doors this fall.
The Mathewsons donated $6 million to establish the center, and on Tuesday the hospital announced further funding being dedicated to the cause.
"One in five Washoe County residents are dealing with a diagnosable mental illness," say Dr. Anthony Slonim, President and CEO of Renown Health.
That is 20% of our population battling addiction and/or mental health.
"Nevada is dead last in the nation for mental health and addiction problems,” explains Slonim. “I know we can do a better job."
Treatment often requires dedicated facilities - which Renown will be opening this fall, at 85 Kirman Avenue in Reno. Chuck and Stacie Mathewson's multi-million dollar donation is making that launch possible; "It’s stake-holders that are coming together to add to this center - Behavioral Health Center at Renown that are going to make this a bigger and better organization,” Stacie tells us.
Today the Attorney General's office announced the recovery of funds for Renown - due to the settlement of a bank-related fraud case; "They, unfortunately, were victimized of $650,000,” Nevada Attorney General Adam Laxalt tells us.
Renown is putting that money directly into programs at the soon-to-open Behavioral Health and Addiction Institute; "It will address addiction issues from the newborn, up through the elderly,” says Slonim.
Both Mathewson and Laxalt admit their involvement in the field of addiction and recovery is personal.
Mathewson says she's the daughter of an alcoholic; "…and I'm also mother of a son who died of an opioid addiction."
Laxalt said he was saved from addiction by his strong family; "That got me headed in the right direction so I could gain sobriety at 18.”
Renown's Dr. Slonim says donations and collaborations like this are a step in the right direction; “…and then learn together what are the opportunities to improve and benefit the people who are suffering.”
The Stacie Mathewson Behavioral Health and Addiction Institute will have a ribbon cutting Fall 2018.
