Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center Completes expanded & renovated behavioral health emergency room

Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center announced the expansion and renovation of its behavioral health emergency room, what officials called “a pivotal step forward in enhancing mental health services for the residents in the Niagara Region and beyond.

“With a total investment of just under $150,000, the project showcases NFMMC's dedication to providing exceptional and compassionate care to individuals facing mental health emergencies.

“As one of only two specialized behavioral health emergency rooms serving the combined population of nearly 1.2 million in Niagara County and Erie County, NFMMC's enhanced facility is uniquely positioned to meet the growing need for expert, immediate mental health care. This expansion strengthens Memorial's ability to provide rapid, specialized care and significantly improves the patient experience in times of crisis.”

NFMMC President and CEO Joseph Ruffolo said, "The introduction of our upgraded behavioral health emergency room, in addition to the expansion of our inpatient services, signifies a significant moment in our mission to address mental health issues across our region. Our upgraded facilities and services stand as a testament to our commitment to guide those who struggle with mental health toward the path of recovery."

In addition to the emergency room expansion, NFMMC has also increased its capacity to support patients requiring longer-term behavioral health interventions.

The press release stated, “With the addition of seven new inpatient beds, the center now has 35 inpatient beds dedicated to behavioral health, making it the sole inpatient provider of behavioral health services in Niagara County and surrounding areas.

“The enhanced facility features state-of-the-art design and technology, ensuring patients receive care in a safe, supportive and therapeutic environment. The mental health professionals at NFMMC are well-trained to offer a wide range of crisis stabilization services, ensuring that each patient receives personalized, compassionate care.

“As NFMMC continues to lead the way in comprehensive behavioral health services, this project marks a significant step towards addressing the critical need for accessible, high-quality mental health care in our community across Western New York.”