WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) and the nation’s drug czar, Jim Carroll, attended the ground breaking Wednesday for the anchor facility of the Safe Haven campus in Mandeville.  Located on the grounds of the former Southeast Louisiana Hospital, Safe Haven will be a 24-bed facility offering comprehensive behavioral health treatment.

“It’s no secret that we have a drug problem in this country that is destroying families.  All too often, mental illness is at the root of an addiction,” said Sen. Kennedy.  “Drug Czar Carroll is committed to helping us resolve this problem as a nation.  Safe Haven is a candle of hope in the battle against mental illness and addiction.  This is a fight that we have to win.”

“While the addiction crisis continues to take too many lives, we are making progress in getting more help to those who need it.  Today was an incredibly special day because it means more family members, friends, and neighbors right here in Louisiana will have the opportunity to get their lives back,” said Drug Czar Carroll.  “By working with true leaders like Senator Kennedy, and those on the frontlines of this fight, the Trump Administration will continue to be relentless in our efforts to save lives.”

“This is a remarkable day for St. Tammany, and our entire region.  Safe Haven is a unique investment in our future because our elected officials, health care providers, first responders, nonprofit organizations and countless other agencies are working collaboratively to make this vision a reality.  We are combining resources so every agency can focus on their field of expertise to provide healing to those who need it,” said St. Tammany Parish President Pat Brister.

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