The DuPage County Crisis Recovery Center completed more than 2,200 onsite crisis assessments in its first year of operation, keeping 97% of visitors out of the hospital.

The $25.8 million facility at 115 N. County Farm Road in Wheaton opened in September 2025 as a 24/7 walk-in center for residents facing a mental health or substance use crisis. It is operated by the DuPage County Health Department (DCHD). The Village of Lombard partnered with the department in May to promote the center during Mental Health Awareness Month, one sign of growing local recognition across the Glenbard area.

Of those 2,200-plus assessments, 386 involved youth, according to a DCHD press release issued Sept. 2. The majority of visitors walked in on their own or with a family member. Community providers and schools accounted for the next-largest share of referrals.

The center never closes. Help is available regardless of insurance status or ability to pay, and residents of all ages are served.

Adam Forker, executive director of the DuPage County Health Department, said in the release that the center has become a place where people feel safe asking for help. "In just one year, the CRC is already making a meaningful difference for our community," Forker said.

In the center's first four months through Dec. 31, 2025, staff made 745 onsite referrals, NCTV17 reported in January. During that early stretch, 61% of referrals came from the person in crisis or a family member. Community providers made up 13%, schools 9%, police and EMS 6%, the 988 crisis hotline 5%, hospitals 4% and the county jail 2%.

That early data also showed 95% of assessments led to community-based care such as crisis residential placement or a home safety plan. The remaining 5% required a higher level of care, with 2% admitted to an emergency room.

Lori Carnahan, identified by NCTV17 as deputy executive director of the health department, told the DuPage County Board at its Jan. 27 meeting that youth visits were a welcome surprise. "Traditionally, we did not see youth coming on our site," Carnahan said at the time.

DuPage County Board Chair Deborah Conroy said the center delivers on a goal community leaders and families supported together. In the Sept. 2 press release, Conroy said anyone can receive care at the center "regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay."

The one-year milestone falls during Suicide Prevention Month. The 2026 Presidents Cup at Medinah Country Club also announced a $250,000 donation to support the facility.

Residents can walk in at 115 N. County Farm Road in Wheaton, call the DuPage Crisis Hotline at (630) 627-1700, or dial 988.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.