MUNCIE, Ind. — Meridian Health Services opened the doors to the long awaited Muncie Crisis Center to help those troubled with their mind and body. Treatment for those addicted, homeless or lost has been the forefront issue for government and health care leaders amid the ongoing opioid crisis.

Mayor Dan Ridenour said it was well worth the wait as the center at Eighth and Hoyt that opened last winter invited the public Monday to have a look. About 75 people showed up, including the police chief, sheriff, judges and others that work in neighborhoods and health care to fight substance abuse. Police Chief Nate Sloan said there’s always been a crisis with some and the law’s only choice was taking people to the hospital or jail.

Besides referrals by police, the center also will get people from the Muncie Mission, outreach from The Hub, and the Muncie YWCA. Meridian is also working with IU Health to get referrals from its emergency room. The center provides medical evaluation and referral besides showers and laundry for those needing help. It is staffed with a nurse practitioner and other clinical staff while Meridian has physicians and psychiatrists available. The provider also does alcohol and drug evaluations for the court system that offers thousands of patients.

Sarfraz Khan, psychiatrist for Meridian and professor at IU Health, said that one in three Americans struggle with mental illness and the center would improve lives in the community. The Common Market, a corner store across the street, sees people in need every day, said owner Mike Martin. Neil Kring, a community advocate who works in the Avondale neighborhood, added that overdose deaths continue in the community.

More than $2 million in public money built the center and recent opioid settlement money could be a source to sustain and add services. For now the center is open from 8am to 5pm with a handful of staff. Extended hours and walk in patients are future considerations. Meridian is among the largest health care providers in the state.