Avera is in clean-up mode after Tuesday night’s tornados and severe weather.
A spokesperson with Avera says they’re still evaluating the damage to the behavioral health center.
Michelle Pellman says it could be closed for anywhere from three to six months, but it’s still early to tell.
"There’s always the possibility we might be able to open some of our units prior to some of the ones that were more severely damaged, which is what we anticipate," Pellman says. "But, we don’t have any specific timelines on when that might happen."
Pellman says the two outpatient psychiatric clinics located within the behavioral health center are closed today and Friday. They’re scheduled to re-open on Monday. She says staff is on hand to answer questions about appointments.
The Avera Heart Hospital is open and operational. Pellman says the hospital is asking visitors to enter through the emergency department.
“The main entrance is what was hit hardest at the Heart Hospital. All the patient care areas are functioning and doing just fine,” Pellman says.
Pellman says the North Central Heart Institute, the physician clinic at Avera Heart Hospital, will remain closed until Monday.