Anchor Project enters next phase of construction process

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – A potentially life-changing project several years in the making is entering its next phase in the construction process, according to the Barren River Area Development District on Friday.

According to a social media post by BRADD, beams have been raised on site for the Anchor Project, a future mental health and substance abuse facility. The facility, which is planned to serve the 10-county region, will aim to reduce the number of calls to law enforcement and mental health related arrests while also helping to get individuals the care they need.

The design will aim to offer detox services, case workers and other resources to encourage treatment over arrest.

“After years of discussions, planning, securing funding, and groundwork, it’s incredible to see this facility officially begin to take shape,” the organization stated.

Nearly one year ago, the project’s first phase began with a groundbreaking. While phase one is now complete, phase two is “coming to fruition,” according to BRADD.

BRADD further stated, “This mental health and substance use crisis intake center will be transformative for our region and will be a massive asset to our continued efforts to save lives and build brighter futures alongside our colleagues at CAYA Collaborative Care.”

In 2023 alone, 900 calls were made to the Bowling Green Police Department for mental health related crises, which averages to almost three per day.

To help make the difference, the Anchor Project’s services will be provided through Kentucky Medicaid at no cost to those who are there, officials say.

According to the City of Bowling Green, the impact fo the Anchor Project has the potential “to save thousands of taxpayer dollars annually.”

News 40 will provide additional updates on the Anchor Project as they are released.