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Future Of Willmar Mental Health Facility In Doubt

WILLMAR, Minn. (AP) -- The future of the three-year-old behavioral hospital in Willmar is in doubt after March 2012.

The commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Services, Lucinda Jesson, says there will be a lot of discussion over the next few months about what to do with 16-bed facility.

The West Central Tribune reports Jesson made the comments during a visit to Willmar on Friday during a visit to assess the hospital.

The facility opened as one of 10 secure acute mental health hospitals in the state built to replace regional treatment centers that had been closed. But shortly after it opened, the hospital beds went unfilled and closure was discussed.

After several transitions, the facility now operates as a residential treatment facility where clients can come and go voluntarily.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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