More space will mean more services at CHD

Published 6:00 am Thursday, February 27, 2020

LA GRANDE — The Center for Human Development is expanding.

The nonprofit at 2301 Cove Ave. in La Grande is in the midst of a six-month renovation of its upstairs and a portion of the basement.

“I am really excited to provide additional services to the community,” said Aaron Griggs, the center’s mental health director. “This expansion is going to allow us not only to provide improved services now but allow us the breathing room to expand services in the future.”

Until the completion of the project, the developmental disabilities case managers continue to work out of their cubicles. When the work wraps, the employees will have their own office spaces. This can help ensure privacy and create a more welcoming environment, Griggs said.

The parent-child interaction treatment the center offers is a newer program that puts parents and children 2-6 years old in a room together. A therapist instructs parents through an earpiece on dealing with any behavioral issues that may arise. The center offers this program at Stella Mayfield Elementary School, Elgin, and at CHD. The best practice for the therapy calls for a one-way window where the therapist can view the child and parent but the other side just sees a mirror. The construction at the main office will provide this type of space. Until then, the therapists use a camera to view the parent-child interaction.

During this time of expansion there has been little interruption to services, according to Griggs. The biggest issue is noise, but he said the contractors, Wellens Farwell, have been good about communicating when louder parts of the project will need to be completed, allowing staff to schedule appointments for quieter times.

“There has been a little bit of disruption to public health, but we’ve been able to accommodate things and we are still providing all the public health services without much of a problem,” Grigg said.

The reconstruction is made possible by funding based on the type of services the center provides as well as state programs. State funding for the developmental disabilities programs and from the Oregon Health Authority for parent-child interaction treatment also helps cover the project costs.

CHD also received a state opioid response grant from the Oregon Health Authority and used the funds to hire a few more people to help the team treat the community. The two nurse practitioners on staff for this department now work on opposite ends of the building. This renovation will give them space to move into one area and collaborate when needed.

The project’s deadline in July 17, and Grigg said they are progressing at a good pace. He did not have a estimate for the total cost.