USDA funds treatment center expansion

The New Frontier Treatment Center held a groundbreaking ceremony June 17 for an expansion funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development.

The $3.7 million upgrade, led by Hammond Homes and Construction, will expand the women's and men's residential areas, build offices to replace the current spaces on Center Street and add 14 new treatment rooms. A remodeling of the existing building at 1490 Grimes Road will complete the project.

The investment was funded through the Community Facilities Direct Loan Program and the Emergency Rural Health Care Grant.

“This is a very special day,” NFTC Executive Director Lana Robards said. “It’s a big deal for us.”

The facility’s core services include several levels of residential treatment programs for adults and outpatient treatment for adult and adolescents. Clients are admitted into one of the treatment programs by referral from family members, the criminal justice system, the child welfare system, an employer or as a self-referral.

Additionally, New Frontier offers a number of services that include psychiatric, primary health, medication management, medication assisted treatment, mental health, co-occurring and substance use treatment, psychosocial rehabilitation, basic skills training, targeted case management and peer recovery support services.

Accordingly, the USDA said about 98.95% of the bed capacity is filled with a wait list for new clients. The facility’s capacity will increase from 28 to 42 beds by serving mental health and substance use patients and increase opportunity for recovery.

“The Biden-Harris administration is committed to ensuring that all Nevadans, no matter where they live, have access to high-quality mental and behavioral care,” said Nevada State USDA Director Lucas Ingvoldstad. “This investment in the New Frontier Treatment Center, nearly doubling the center’s patient capacity, will cut down on critical waiting times for rural Nevadans in need of mental health and substance use treatment.”

Ingvoldstad also said the agency is proud of the impact this investment it will have on mental health accessibility in Fallon.

“USDA Rural Development remains dedicated to improving community health and wellness in rural Nevada,” he added.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and generally improve the quality of life for millions of Americans living in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. For information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/nv.