Idaho’s 1st Crisis Center Successful; 2 More on Horizon

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (AP) — Idaho is expanding a state-funded program that provides help to people with mental health and addiction issues.

Times-News reports that Twin Falls and Boise are planning to open the state's third and fourth crisis centers. People can stay at the centers for up to a day and begin to get help for addiction or mental illness. The state pays for the centers and contracts with local agencies to run them.

The original crisis center opened in east Idaho in December 2014. It helped more than 2,000 people in its first year and is on track to help nearly twice as many this year. Officials say the crisis centers provide an alternative intervention for people with behavioral issues when being jailed or hospitalized isn't appropriate.