Deadline to fill Marge Brewster void is Feb. 21

A request was posted Feb. 11 in the Florida Administrative Weekly seeking a contractor for mental health services in Highlands County after Winter Haven Hospital announced it will no longer offer services through the Marge Brewster Center.

Rita Ruggles, program supervisor for substance abuse and mental health at the Department of Children and Families, said the deadline for submitting proposals is Feb. 21.

The request asks for "responsive information from qualified vendors on their ability to provide behavioral health services to Highlands County, Florida."

"We have had several inquiries," Ruggles said Wednesday. "No formal responses."

Kathy Hayes, division director for the Center for Behavioral Health at Winter Haven Hospital, said Tuesday this transitioning of services is scheduled to be completed no later than July 1.

Ruggles wants to identify a vendor as soon as possible so they can begin the transfer.

"The first goal is to assure a smooth transition for the individuals who receive services through the Marge Brewster Center," she said. "Continuity of care is very important in our field."

Hayes said Winter Haven Hospital has decided not to continue providing direct services in Highlands County because it wants to concentrate on its core service area in Polk County, where the hospital is located.

Marge Brewster generally serves over 2,000 people in a given year, according to Hayes. The hope is the 15 center employees will get hired on by the new provider.

The center has provided care for those who suffer from a severe and persistent mental illness.