Luzerne Times

Nearly a year after the closure of First Hospital in Kingston, Pennsylvania, it has been announced that the facility will reopen as Wyoming Valley Behavioral Health Hospital. The new hospital is set to begin treating patients in October on the former First Hospital grounds.

State Representative Aaron Kaufer stated, "I am pleased that those in our area in need of mental health services will once again have access to services that have been hard to find since First Hospital was forced to close last year." He emphasized the importance of local access to mental health services, especially given current discussions surrounding mental health issues.

The closure of First Hospital left a significant gap in both inpatient and outpatient mental health services in the region. To address this need, Wyoming Valley Behavioral Health Hospital has acquired the vacant building and is seeking state licensure from the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services within the Department of Human Services.

Signet Health, a behavioral health management company, is assisting with securing licensure, setting up operations, and staff recruitment for the new facility. Joy Figarsky, president and chief operating officer of Signet Health, remarked on the critical need for behavioral health services across the country: "We are thrilled that Signet Health has the opportunity to consult on this very important initiative to bring much-needed mental health services to the community."

Kaufer highlighted data showing increased demand for mental health services in Kingston and surrounding areas. He expressed gratitude towards Wyoming Valley Behavioral Health Hospital for addressing these needs and contributing jobs to the area.

The hospital plans to start accepting patients by October.