Mobile Integrated Health Facility
Design Start: May 23, 2023
Construction Completion: May 31, 2024
Owner: City of Las Cruces
Location: Las Cruces, New Mexico
Project Type: Municipality
Project Description:
The new Mobile Integrated Health (M.I.H.) Facility in Las Cruces addresses a critical gap in long-term mental health treatment services in the region. This facility is designed to support the operations of the City’s M.I.H. program and the Lessen The Incidents of Grief, Harm, and Trauma (L.I.G.H.T.) program, while maintaining a stable personnel base of qualified professionals. It will serve as a collaborative venue, fostering relationships between the M.I.H. program, the L.I.G.H.T. program, 911 Dispatch, the Crisis Triage Center, and both the City Police and Fire Departments, ultimately enhancing care and outcomes for patients.
The facility’s design incorporates access control to effectively separate private work and living areas from public spaces. Residential components, including communal day rooms, kitchens, shower rooms, and dormitories, are strategically positioned apart from operational functions by centralizing the apparatus bay. This thoughtful configuration ensures that areas dedicated to residential activities maintain privacy and functionality, distinct from the facility’s operational zones. This division optimizes both operational efficiency and the comfort of the residential programs.
A hallmark of the project is its commitment to sustainability, aiming for LEED Silver Certification. Key design elements contributing to this certification include high-efficiency mechanical units and the installation of photovoltaic panels, significantly reducing the building’s energy costs. Additionally, the facility’s orientation and the strategic placement of clerestory windows and light shelves maximize natural light, further enhancing energy efficiency and reducing operational lighting costs.
Overall, the M.I.H. Facility is poised to become a vital resource for mental health care in Las Cruces, providing a supportive environment for both staff and clients while promoting collaboration among essential community services. Through innovative design and sustainability initiatives, this facility will play a crucial role in improving mental health outcomes in the region.