Pinnacle led strategic planning and produced a comprehensive study for Union County to address critical gaps in behavioral health services. With limited local services and increasing demand, County leaders sought a clear, actionable roadmap to guide future investment in crisis stabilization, detox, residential treatment, and transitional housing. Pinnacle’s role was to bring structure, expertise, and collaboration to a complex challenge ensuring the final recommendations were grounded in community realities and long-term sustainability.

The Process

From the start, we focused on listening. Through our Circle of Impact exercise and early stakeholder conversations, we identified who would be most affected by future services and ensured their voices were part of the process. This collaborative foundation helped the committee define what success looked like and stay aligned throughout the study.

Our team then conducted robust research, reviewing local provider availability, emergency room and law enforcement data, and comparable facilities across a five-county region. These insights revealed meaningful service gaps and helped clarify what types of facilities would best serve Union County residents. A listening session with the committee and individuals with lived experience allowed us to validate findings and explore potential program models from crisis care to residential treatment supported by real case studies.

Education was another key component. We partnered with Community Counseling Solutions and Ducote Consulting to deliver practical guidance on regulatory requirements, operations, funding, and advocacy. These sessions equipped committee members with the knowledge needed to make informed, confident decisions.

As priorities emerged, Pinnacle evaluated potential sites—starting with County owned properties—and developed preliminary budgets, operational considerations, staffing needs, and a phased approach to implementation. All findings were compiled into a clear, approachable 40-page report that County leaders can use to pursue funding and build stakeholder support.

Outcome

The outcome is a comprehensive, community informed roadmap that positions Union County to strengthen its behavioral health system for years to come. The study not only outlines the need and recommended solutions but empowers local leaders to confidently advocate for state and federal investment—helping bring critical services closer to home and supporting a healthier, more resilient community.