Heritage celebrates 70 years, looks ahead to future of mental health care

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — Heritage Behavioral Health Center is marking a major milestone this year, celebrating 70 years of providing mental health and substance use services to the Decatur community and beyond.

What began in the 1950s as a small operation with just three staff members and a limited budget has grown into one of the region’s leading behavioral health providers.

“To hear it, it’s a bit surreal,” said President and CEO Mary Garrison. “When you really look back at the history of Decatur … we have quite an amazing reputation.”

Heritage was originally founded as the Decatur Mental Health Center, created to meet a growing need for community-based mental health services. Over the decades, the organization expanded its reach, evolving into a comprehensive behavioral health provider offering outpatient services, crisis intervention, substance use treatment and support programs for individuals and families.

Garrison, who is the agency's eighth CEO, said the organization’s longevity is a reflection of strong community support.

“It shows the commitment of the community, because there’s no way we could do this by ourselves,” she said. “We truly want to help our community and advance behavioral health.”

That growth is evident in the numbers. Today, Heritage employs nearly 400 staff members and operates with a budget of about $45 million. That's a significant leap from its early days.

“When you say three to 397, that’s quite a growth,” Garrison said.

She credited that expansion to investments from local, state and federal partners, as well as donors who continue to support the nonprofit’s mission.

In recent years, Heritage has also adapted to changing needs, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Garrison said the organization quickly pivoted its services, expanding telehealth options and reaching more people across Macon County and the state.

“We learned from COVID that mental health and substance use hit everyone,” she said. “We were all in this together … and we really were able to expand our programs in the way we delivered services.”

That demand remains strong today, something Garrison said is reflected in the steady flow of people seeking help.

“People are coming in our doors saying, ‘How can you help me?’” she said. “It’s a real honor that we’re able to do that.”

Looking ahead, Heritage is continuing to grow. The organization is preparing to begin construction on a major facility project this summer, aimed at improving access to care and enhancing services for clients.