Pensacola, Fla. (April 9, 2026) – Lakeview Center is celebrating a major milestone in mental health care for Northwest Florida: more than 7,500 Baker Act screenings completed since opening its Central Receiving Facility (CRF)—and the two‑year anniversary of both the CRF and its Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) on the organization’s main campus in Pensacola.

Lakeview’s Central Receiving Facility helps patients access the right level of care more quickly, reducing unnecessary visits to hospital emergency rooms. Law enforcement partners are also able to return to patrol sooner—average drop-off time at the facility is just 11 minutes, compared to hours previously spent waiting in an emergency department.

“The opening of our Central Receiving Facility and Crisis Stabilization Unit was a pivotal moment for behavioral health care in our region,” said Shawn Salamida, president of Lakeview Center. “Reaching 7,500 Baker Act screenings in just two years reflects both the growing need for crisis services and our team’s unwavering commitment to ensuring people receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.”

Lakeview Center serves as the adult Central Receiving Facility for Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties, providing Baker Act screenings for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. At Lakeview Center’s downtown Pensacola campus, a dedicated team of medical professionals connects each person with the level of care best suited to their needs—whether that means partnering with local hospitals or accessing one of Lakeview Center’s more than 60 treatment programs.

As a critical complement to the CRF, Lakeview Center also opened a Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) in April 2024, expanding inpatient capacity—particularly for uninsured individuals—and strengthening the continuum of care from crisis intervention through stabilization and recovery.

Over the past two years, the CRF and CSU have played a vital role in improving outcomes for individuals in crisis and supporting community partners, including law enforcement agencies and hospital systems.

“This initiative was made possible through the collaboration of our community partners, including Northwest Florida’s elected officials, the Escambia and Santa Rosa Boards of County Commissioners, law enforcement agencies, local judges, and our hospital partners,” said Salamida.

For more information about addiction or mental health services, call 850-469-3500 or visit eLakeviewCenter.org.