COEUR d’ALENE — Idaho’s second mental health crisis center will be built in Coeur d’Alene, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare confirmed Monday.

The Idaho Legislature appropriated $1.7 million for a mental health crisis center in North Idaho earlier this year, and limited its location to regional Health Districts 1 or 2.

Mental health crisis centers operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year. They provide an environment to de-escalate mental health patients or substance abusers who are in crisis. It is an outpatient service that would take the pressure off emergency rooms, courts and jails, according to Rep. Luke Malek, R-Coeur d’Alene.  

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