Sierra Tucson Announces Capital Improvement Project

Tucson, Ariz. (PRWEB) January 22, 2013

Sierra Tucson, an international leader in the treatment of addictions, eating disorders, mood disorders, pain management, and trauma/PTSD, has announced the completion of a $1.7 million state-of-the-art capital improvement project, with $800,000 in additional improvements also in the works. The renovations began two years ago with the goals to further enhance patient satisfaction and engagement, key influencers of treatment success.
“We are very pleased with these facility enhancements and truly believe they will positively affect our patients’ experience at Sierra Tucson,” said Stephen Fahey, MSW, MBA, Executive Director. “By substantially investing in structural enhancements and clinical efficiency, we have reaffirmed our position as a world class treatment center.”

To accomplish specific design objectives, Sierra Tucson commissioned design expert Julia Date to oversee the project.

“We approached the Sierra Tucson project with specific goals in mind,” said Date. “First, to assess the existing interior elements and finishes and create a plan to unify them into a cohesive plan visually. Second, to address functional issues, such as seating, storage space and lighting. And third, to purchase and install new items and finishes that update the overall presentation and create a sense of warm, welcoming color.”

Some of the renovations included:

• Full makeover of the reception/lobby area “to allow the all-important first impression to be one of professionalism augmented with a warm residential feel,” said Date.
• Renovated front admissions office for patients and families “to feel as much at ease as possible during what can be such an emotional experience,” said Fahey.
• The redesign of the 15 bed acute care unit in the facility’s main building to be more patient-friendly, comfortable and welcoming.
• Renovated medication rooms in each of the three patient lodges to increase operational efficiency and improve the patient medication experience.
• Aesthetic improvements throughout the main building and family rooms that add light and warmth, “and serve to bring Sierra Tucson’s stunning exterior landscape into the building,” said Date.
• Redesigned auditorium and dining area, with a new self-playing piano for better ambiance and relaxation.
• Major outdoor landscape improvements including way-finding signage to help patients and guests traverse the property with ease.

“Of utmost importance was to create spaces with ample seating and adequate light, promoting a sense of peace,” said Date. “We achieved all of these goals through numerous and extensive visits to the campus, conversations with staff, walking the grounds and observing the manner in which a patient or family member may use both interior and exterior spaces.”

The state-of-the-art capital improvements project also included adding six new horses to Sierra Tucson’s equine therapy program, significant enhancements to the stables, and a new misting system. The treatment facility also added an improved, more challenging rock climbing wall for the experiential/adventure therapy program component.

Date said she hopes “that the improvements made at Sierra Tucson will continue to provide an excellent atmosphere for the treatment and recovery process.”

“The intent was to add to the warm, welcoming feeling that patients have always described as being the hallmark of the Sierra Tucson experience,” said Fahey. “I am confident that this project has accomplished that and more. Our patients, families and guests have expressed great approval, and we will continue to seek ways to add to our patients’ comfort during their stay with us.”

About Sierra Tucson

Since its inception in 1984, Sierra Tucson has become an international leader in the treatment of addictions, eating disorders, mood disorders, pain management, and trauma/PTSD. A dually licensed treatment center, Sierra Tucson is known for its holistic, bio-psycho-social-spiritual treatment approach and expertise in treating co-occurring disorders. Individualized treatment plans incorporate 12-Step philosophy, a wide variety of innovative and integrative therapies, a Family Program, and a combination of Western and Eastern Medicine practices. Dually accredited by The Joint Commission, Sierra Tucson employs seven full-time physicians as a key part of its multidisciplinary treatment team. Located on 160 acres at the foot of the Santa Catalina Mountains near Tucson, Arizona, this exceptional facility offers a beautiful, natural healing environment and the highest level of confidentiality. For more information about Sierra Tucson and its programs, call 800-842-4487.

Sierra Tucson is a member of CRC Health Group, the most comprehensive network of specialized behavioral care services in the nation. CRC offers the largest array of personalized treatment options, allowing individuals, families, and professionals to choose the most appropriate treatment setting for their behavioral, addiction, weight management, and therapeutic education needs. CRC is committed to making its services widely and easily available, while maintaining a passion for delivering advanced treatment. Since 1995, CRC programs have helped thousands of individuals and families reclaim and enrich their lives.