Lander Mental Health Unit Will Be Closed

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — An inpatient mental health facility in Lander will be closing next week.

Hospital system SageWest announced on Wednesday the imminent closure of the unit that provides treatment for adults suffering from emotional, behavioral and addictive problems.

In a statement, SageWest CEO Alan Daugherty blamed the closure on "significant changes in regulations and accreditation standards for inpatient behavioral health units including one-on-one patient observation staffing and physical plant requirements."

Daugherty said the changes stemmed from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Joint Commission, an organization that accredits hospitals.

It's unclear how much the closure will affect Fremont County's ability to provide mental health services to residents.