Nevada officials have announced the temporary closure of the Desert Willow Treatment Center (DWTC), one of the state's largest youth psychiatric hospitals, starting October 10. The decision comes in response to urgent patient safety concerns and aims to overhaul the facility’s treatment system and leadership.
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Laura Rich, director of the Department of Human Services, stated that the closure is necessary due to systemic issues that have been neglected for years, including resource shortages and leadership challenges, notably the absence of a hospital administrator. She emphasized the need for a thorough reset to ensure the safety of the youth in care.
Lalo Macias, administrator for AFSCME Local 4041, contested the necessity of a full closure, arguing that staff had long been raising safety issues and suggesting that other solutions could have been found without disrupting patient care. He expressed concerns that the closure would create chaos for both patients and staff in an economy where stability is crucial.
Rich indicated that the overhaul would involve reviewing policies, procedures, staff training, and facility improvements, while still maintaining sufficient staffing levels to comply with licensing standards. The Competency Restoration Unit, which provides mental healthcare for court-ordered placements, will remain operational during the closure.
The closure plan follows a 2025 state report highlighting the center's shortcomings in serving high-needs youth. Employees had previously reported numerous safety issues, staffing shortages, and high stress levels during public meetings.
Concerns about employee safety were underscored by accounts of violent incidents within the facility, including a chilling report shared by AFSCME Union member Jared Kluesner, who described a colleague being attacked by a patient.
While acknowledging the immediate closure's implications, Rich assured that the state would collaborate with partner organizations to identify alternative treatment options for affected youth and emphasized that no children would be sent to Child Haven, an emergency facility.
The closure is expected to last approximately six months as officials prioritize improving care for the youth and the working environment for staff.