SECTION 115   History of Range Mental Health Center, Inc.

The Range Mental Health Center, Inc. is a private, not-for-profit community mental health center serving northern St. Louis County and adjacent communities.  The Center, begun in 1961, was the 16^th federally designated community mental health center in the nation and the first in Minnesota.  In 1969, the Center moved into a new facility on the south side of Virginia.  In 1983, the Center purchased a former steel company building in downtown Virginia.  This building, renamed after William J. Bell, a pioneer Iron Range missionary-social worker, was remodeled with an addition and now houses community treatment programs and adult day services.  In 1986, the Center took over management of the mental health and chemical dependency programs at the Fairview University Medical Center-Mesabi in Hibbing.  In 1990 the Center began the Supervised Release Program at the Pioneer Building on the grounds of the Virginia Regional Medical Center.  In 1993, a supervised housing program was initiated.  In 1994, a long-term inpatient unit was added to the programs located in Hibbing.  In 1995, the Dr. Bernard Flynn Building opened in Hibbing, providing drop-in and day treatment services to adults with a mental illness.  In 2000, a new detoxification and work release facility called the Judge Donovan Frank Building was completed.  In 2002, a school building was purchased in Hibbing.  The facility was renovated to house the Hibbing Community-based services and the outpatient department.  The campus is named the Governor Rudy Perpich Behavioral Health Center.  The Community Support Program wing is called Norma’s Place, in honor of Norma Schleppegrell.

Center Board and staff members were instrumental in the formation of the National Community Mental HealthCare Council, as well as the Minnesota Association of Community Mental Health programs.

The Torrey Report on national mental health services has mentioned the Center as one of the best in the nation.  During 2000, more than 9,000 individuals received Center services.  In addition, more than 1,000 more received some type of consultation, training, or education services.

Virginia:   Main Building        (218)749-2881 or 1-800-450-2273

                           Bell Building    (218)741-4714 or 1-800-450-4714

                           Detox/Range Treatment Center             (218)741-9120

Hibbing:    Perpich Building    (218)263-9237 or 1-888-344-9237

Ely:      Duluth Clinic-Ely (218)   365-5019