East Alabama Health officially celebrated the grand opening of its new mental health facility, East Alabama Medical Center (EAMC) North, on Dec. 17. Located on the health system’s North Campus, the $44 million facility aims to expand inpatient and outpatient psychiatric care to meet growing demand across Alabama.
The 54,000-square-foot facility, built by Bailey-Harris Construction of Auburn, includes specialized inpatient units for adults, adolescents, and children. It also adds more space for East Alabama Psychiatric Services (EAPS), which offers outpatient mental health care.
EAPS will begin seeing patients on Monday, Dec. 22, while the inpatient units are expected to open in mid-January. Sarah Nunnelly, East Alabama Health’s chief strategy and business development officer, will serve as administrator of EAMC North.
“Mental health care is an essential part of overall wellness,” said Laura Grill, president and CEO of East Alabama Health. “Every detail of this facility reflects our commitment to providing exceptional care while preserving the dignity and respect every patient deserves.”
The opening ceremony drew hospital leadership, government officials, local leaders, and community partners who helped bring the project to life. Mental health needs in Alabama are pressing: one in five residents has experienced a mental health episode. EAMC North will increase inpatient psychiatric beds from 28 to 40, helping address the state’s shortage.
“We are severely lacking in mental health beds, so this facility is a major step toward improving access for those in need,” said Kimberly Boswell, commissioner of the Alabama Department of Mental Health.
Patient-Focused Design
Adult inpatient units are separated into male and female wings, each with 10 beds, its own common area, and outdoor courtyard. The facility also includes short-term and long-term child and adolescent units. Both units feature classrooms, enabling patients to continue their education during treatment.
The long-term adolescent unit is the only one of its kind in Alabama, allowing patients to earn a high school diploma through the onsite, SACS-accredited East Alabama Academy. It also includes a hands-on learning kitchen to help adolescents develop life skills.
Community Support and Collaboration
The project took over 22 months from groundbreaking to grand opening, with nearly four years of community planning and support. State, county, and city partners worked with East Alabama Health to secure funding.
“I’ve seen firsthand that mental health affects everyone, regardless of background,” said Alabama State Rep. Joe Lovvorn (District 79). “This bright, beautiful facility will change lives for so many people and families.”
Psychiatry staff contributed to the facility’s design, influencing the bright common areas, therapy rooms, and family visiting spaces. Alabama Sen. Jay Hovey (District 27) noted, “This hospital understands its vital role in the community and is committed to meeting the growing mental health needs of our population.”
Expanding Access and Training
Since 2023, East Alabama Health has added six mental health providers, including five psychiatrists and one clinical psychologist. In July 2025, the system launched a Psychiatry Residency Program to train and retain physicians in the region.
“We’ve expanded our team and launched a residency program to train the next generation of psychiatrists,” said Austin Luker, M.D., medical director and psychiatrist at EAPS.
The new outpatient EAPS facility offers a modern layout with more than 15 provider offices, providing private, quiet spaces for therapy, medication management, and follow-up care.
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