St. Cloud Hospital Inpatient Mental Health Unit celebrates 50 years

In September, St. Cloud Hospital Inpatient Mental Health Unit celebrates its 50th anniversary. Please join us 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 25 in the Aspen room at St. Cloud Hospital to learn more about the beginnings and growth of mental health care in Central Minnesota. Snacks and refreshments will be provided. 

In 1965 St. Cloud Hospital was in the midst of planning their first major addition to the hospital since building in 1928. The addition was projected to cost in excess of $5 million and a $400,000 federal grant was given to support the new psychiatric unit. The project was the first Minnesota application for funds under the Community Mental Health Centers Construction Act for the construction of complete community mental health facilities. In cooperation with the Central Minnesota Mental Health Center, it was the first approved project in the country in which there was joint sponsorship between a private general hospital and a local mental health unit.

The new unit opened in 1968 with more than 1,400 patients admitted in the first three years. In the past year, we have served more than 1,300 patients.

Today, the majority of mental health patients are seen as outpatients in the partial hospitalization program, intensive outpatient program and/or individual appointments with psychiatrists and/or psychotherapists.

“CentraCare is people serving people, and at our core is service to our patients, families and communities,” said Kenneth Holmen, MD, President/CEO. “We have always taken pride in addressing the mental health needs of individuals in our community. CentraCare is committed to innovative mental health care and nurturing creative and collaborative partnerships.”