UNC Health Rockingham News Release • February 10, 2025
Funds will provide a “Safe Space” courtyard for behavioral health patients
(Eden, NC) – UNC Health Rockingham has received a $54,000 capital grant from the Reidsville Area Foundation to fund the creation of the Safe Space Courtyard. The open-air courtyard, located within the hospital’s interior space, will provide long-term behavioral health patients with a safe and secure location to experience the healing benefits associated with being outside, provide a greater sense of hope and improve overall mental well-being. Patient may stay days, weeks, or even months before they are able to move to a facility that provides appropriate treatment and care for their individual needs. These prolonged stays increase the need for additional spaces, like the courtyard, for patients to receive care outside of a traditional hospital room.
“The Reidsville Area Foundation is pleased to partner with UNC Health Rockingham to provide improved behavioral health care options in Rockingham County,” said Executive Director Dawn Charaba. “Working together to bring innovative health care solutions to our rural residents and marginalized communities is a priority for our board.”
Currently, there are long-term behavioral health placement shortages across the state and the nation, especially for those who are unable to afford private care options or who may not be able to travel from their rural homes to more urban health centers. UNC Health Rockingham works with patients to provide access to telehealth visits for advanced behavioral health counseling, medical management and psychiatric care that is not readily available within the county. The hospital’s care management team helps identify care options and assists with placements – working to overcome barriers and challenges that patients and their families may not be able to accomplish on their own, including coordinating transportation.
“We are grateful for Reidsville Area Foundation and their understanding of the needs of our behavioral health patients, which can be served through the Safe Space Courtyard,” said Thresa Hardy, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Nursing Officer. “The outdoor space and activities facilitated by our team will provide patients with more independence and dignity, increase their cognitive function, and provide connection with the outside world.”
The Safe Space Courtyard renovation includes security modifications to doors, windows, flooring and monitoring systems along with the addition of an activity cart, ADA compliant furniture, an inspiring mural and new awning to allow for all-season usage. The space is designed with calming colors and textures to help ease the stressors that patients may experience during supervised involuntary commitments in the emergency department like smaller rooms, bright lights and constant noise. Work is currently underway on the project and the courtyard should be operational and open for patient use by Summer 2025.
Through collaborative funding efforts, UNC Health Rockingham has also received a $40,000 grant from the UNC Health Rockingham Foundation for all teammates to receive Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) nonviolent crisis intervention training and additional funding to open a Caring Corner designed to promote teammate self-care and lessen health care work-related burnout. Additionally, the UNC Health System has funded $10,000 in certifications for a CPI Instructor with an emphasis on autism spectrum disorder and a CPI Instructor with emphasis on mental health intervention to serve as advocates for patients with special needs.
UNC Health Rockingham is a nonprofit, 108-bed community hospital preserving excellent, compassionate and trusted care where it is needed most: close to home. As a cornerstone in Eden, N.C., and a major employer, UNC Health Rockingham serves people throughout Rockingham County and in neighboring Southern Virginia areas. In addition to inpatient, outpatient, surgical and emergency care, the hospital offers diagnostic and treatment services, provide screenings and tests and lead wellness initiatives. More information about UNC Health Rockingham may be found at uncrockingham.org.
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