By Duke Medicine News and Communications

DURHAM, N.C. -- In a collaborative effort to improve the treatment of Durham County residents suffering from mental health and substance abuse related conditions, Duke University Health System (DUHS) will donate $1.5 million to Durham County and return to the county a facility on the Durham Regional Hospital (DRH) campus for use as a mental health and substance abuse center. The county, in turn, has initially designated the Oakleigh facility at DRH for use by the Durham Access Center, as well as other supporting mental health functions.

"The combined efforts of Duke, Durham County Hospital Corporation, and Durham County on this project will result in critically needed expansion and improvement of facilities to care for people with mental health and substance abuse related illnesses and conditions," said Ellen Reckhow, chairman, Durham County Board of Commissioners. "This move is representative of the spirit of the ongoing collaboration between Duke, Durham County Hospital Corporation, and Durham County at the Durham Regional Hospital campus to provide Durham residents with the best available healthcare services."

The Oakleigh facility represents almost twice the space of the current Durham Access Center whose lease is set to expire next year. The Oakleigh facility will allow for a significant expansion of services by the Durham Access Center while reducing the overall space costs to the county.

"We are always pleased to be part of any plan that results in improved access to healthcare services for people in Durham," said Victor Dzau, M.D., Chancellor for Health Affairs and CEO of DUHS. "We believe the ongoing relationship that Duke enjoys with Durham County Hospital Corporation and the county allows us to continue to fulfill our joint commitment to providing quality health care services to our community."