This project provides for design and construction of the Diversion Center. The site planning will be designed to allow the remainder of the site to house a future Department of Correction and Rehabilitation Justice Complex. The master plan and construction of utility work and stormwater management for the Diversion Center will include the infrastructure to support the subsequent construction.

This facility will support the implementation of the Crisis Now model in Montgomery County and will provide alternatives to using hospital emergency departments or defaulting to criminal justice options for people experiencing a behavioral health crisis. This facility will be operated by the Department of Health and Human Services or a contractor. It will provide a variety of behavioral health services, to include triage, crisis stabilization, and warm hand off referrals to appropriate services for those experiencing mental health, substance use disorder, and/or other types of behavioral health crises. The Diversion Center will provide an option to Montgomery County Police Department, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service, and community members and reduce the use of emergency rooms, hospitals, and jail detention. The Diversion Center will be staffed by a multidisciplinary team to include nursing staff, licensed mental health and addiction professionals, peer specialists, and resource navigators.

As a result of new Medicaid requirements, the Diversion Center will also integrate an off-site walk-in location at 1301 Piccard Drive in Rockville into its service delivery model. This walk-in site is also required to serve minors. Walk-ins will only be accepted at the 1301 Piccard Drive site and adult clients will be transported by staff to the 1301 Seven Locks Road site as necessary.

Design completion is expected in spring 2026. Construction completion is expected in winter 2028. Final post-construction architect/engineer work is expected in winter 2029. The off-site walk-in location is expected to be designed, renovated, and completed in calendar year 2026.

Cost increase to align with with design scope, cost escalation, and changes needed to ensure Medicaid compliance.

The Diversion Center will complement the "Crisis Now" model in Montgomery County by offering services to the population of Montgomery County that is in crisis and needs behavioral health services such as mental health, substance use disorder, and/or other types of crises. The Diversion Center is a less restrictive and more clinically appropriate community-based setting. The Diversion Center will help reduce avoidable emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and incarceration.

Formerly called the "Restoration Center," this project has been renamed the "Diversion Center" to better align with its purpose. In calendar year 2024, the State promulgated new regulations that require Medicaid crisis services to accept walk-in clients and minors. To comply with this new requirement, the project will integrate an off-site walk-in location at 1301 Piccard Drive in Rockville into its service delivery model.

The Maryland General Assembly approved $17.5 million in State Aid that does not require a match, including $12.0 million in 2022; $5.0 million in 2023; and $500,000 in 2025. In 2023, the Maryland Department of Health allocated $1.2 million for the project that requires a $1.3 million County-funded match. In total, State Aid for the project is $18.7 million. A FY25 supplemental accelerates $650,000 to allow for walk-in location renovations project work and encumbrances to begin.

A pedestrian impact analysis will be performed during design or is in progress. The County Executive asserts that this project conforms to the requirement of relevant local plans, as required by the Maryland Economic Growth, Resource Protection and Planning Act.

City of Rockville, Department of General Services, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Correction and Rehabilitation, Department of Police, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service, Department of Technology and Enterprise Business Solutions, Pepco, Washington Gas, and other community groups.