Independence Health System Completes $2.3 Million Renovation of Inpatient Drug & Alcohol Unit

Updates supported by Butler County Human Services and HealthChoices Funding

Butler, PA, May 21, 2025 – Independence Health System’s Butler Memorial Hospital is pleased to announce the completion of a $2.3 million renovation of its 5 South inpatient unit, which facilitates recovery and treatment for individuals undergoing drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Originally opened in 1983, the unit has received minimal upgrades until now. The recent renovations modernize and enhance patient care with expanded capacity, improved accessibility and updated infrastructure, marking the most significant renovation since the unit’s opening. 

The project was made possible through $2.2 million in regional re-investment funding from HealthChoices, a program managed by Southwest Behavioral Health Management. Butler County Human Services led the proposal effort for the funding, which was approved by regional stakeholders representing Armstrong, Indiana, Lawrence, Westmoreland and Washington counties. Additional support came from hospital capital improvement funds. 

“We are so grateful for Butler County Human Services and Dr. Kathy Selvaggi, who helped spearhead these renovations, for their leadership and guidance in securing funding for these much-needed updates,” said Karen Allen, president of Butler Memorial and Clarion Hospitals. “These updates create a more therapeutic and welcoming environment for patients in need of critical behavioral health services.” 

“These renovations are not just cosmetic, they directly impact the quality of care we provide,” said Ruthane Durso, Director of Therapeutic & Social Work Services and Behavioral Health at Butler Memorial.  “A calm, accessible, and healing space can make all the difference for patients taking their first steps toward recovery.”

Since its opening more than four decades ago, the unit received minor updates in the 2000s, including the removal of carpeting and the painting of walls. Butler Memorial Hospital remains one of the few hospital-based detox and rehabilitation programs in Pennsylvania.

Renovations, which began in October 2024, included:

• Two new ADA-accessible patient rooms, along with ADA-compliant restroom and bathing facilities
• Increased capacity from 18 to 20 inpatient beds
• New anti-ligature fixtures in two rooms and a specialized anti-ligature shower for behavioral health accommodations
• Fully updated flooring, lighting, wall finishes, furniture, casework, and mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems
• Widened hallways for wheelchair accessibility
• A newly designed nurse's station and medication room
• All new furniture and curated artwork to create a welcoming therapeutic space

“I would like to thank our regional stakeholders and Southwest Behavioral Health Management for their leadership and supporting updates to this vital community resource for those struggling with substance abuse,” said Donna Jenereski, Director of the Butler County Haman Services Drug and Alcohol Program. “The renovations provide a more supportive environment for individuals on their path to recovery.”  

Project completion was celebrated with an open house attended by local organization leaders, human services representatives, hospital staff, and project vendors, highlighting the collaborative effort behind the renovation.

The 5 South Unit is part of Independence Health System’s comprehensive behavioral health services, which include counseling, treatment and support for individuals struggling with substance use. For information about Butler Memorial Hospital’s Drug and Alcohol program, call 1-800-831-2468 or visit www.independence.health and search for Behavioral Health under the Services tab.

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Nationally recognized for quality care, Independence Health System comprises Butler Memorial, Clarion, Frick, Latrobe and Westmoreland Hospitals with a combined bed count of 925. With more than 1,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and 7,300 employees, the System is the third largest in western Pennsylvania serving a population base of 750,000 in a footprint spanning more than 10 counties. 

The System includes tertiary programs rated among America’s best for cardiac care and surgery, earning accolades from a number of prestigious outlets and organizations. Locally owned and locally controlled, Independence Health System offers its patients low-cost, high-quality care across the care spectrum in such specialties as cardiology, cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, orthopedics and sports medicine, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, women’s health and obstetrics, emergency medicine, behavioral health and primary care. Its network of outpatient centers sees more than 1.2 million visits annually. The homecare division further supports patients at all stages of life with home health and hospice services. Learn more at www.independence.health