Birmingham’s new Craig Crisis Care Center will have to postpone opening until they are able to fill over a dozen nursing positions according to recent statements from Jefferson, Blount, St. Clair (JBS) Mental Health Authority Executive Director Jim Crego.

President of the Alabama State Nurses Association (ASNA) James Hardin said this postponed opening represents a nationwide issue that will require systemic change to resolve.

The Craig Crisis Care Center operates under the umbrella of JBS and has been in the works since early last year as one of six similar centers sponsored across the state by Gov. Kay Ivey.

According to representatives for the Craig Crisis Care Center and local law enforcement the purpose of these facilities is to provide a place where people experiencing mental health crises can go that isn’t jail or an emergency room.

During the ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony in Birmingham just over two weeks ago JBS Executive Director Jim Crego said the plan was to open the center by mid-February. He said this week opening won’t be possible until they’re able to get at least seven licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and seven registered nurses (RNs) hired and trained.