Enthusiasm was high for the Youth Psychiatric Health Facility groundbreaking ceremony at Orchard Hospital on Aug. 11. Photo courtesy of Landon Stark.

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – On Monday, Aug. 11, Orchard Hospital proudly hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for its upcoming Youth Psychiatric Health Facility, an inpatient unit set to open in Fall 2026. The event brought together approximately 50 attendees representing local and state leadership, community members, law enforcement and firefighters — all united in their support for this transformative project.

Notable guests included: Clark Redfield, from Orchard Hospital Board of Directors; Gridley City Administrator Elisa Arteaga; Gridley City Councilmember J. Angel Calderon; Gridley Mayor Mike Farr; Butte County Supervisors Tod Kimmelshue and Tami Ritter; Sutter County Supervisor Jeff Stephens; Isabella Morgan from Assemblyman James Gallagher’s office; Tasha Weaver from Senator Brian Dahle’s office; Sutter County Sheriff Brandon Barnes; Gridley Police Chief Todd Farr; Director Scott Kennellyfrom Butte County Behavioral Health; Margaret Desmond Hughes, Orchard Hospital Foundation Chairperson; CEO Dr. Shamsher Bhullar of American Advanced Management; and CEO Amy Micheli, Orchard Hospital.

Speakers at the event shared their enthusiasm and commitment to improving youth mental health care in the region. Many emphasized the urgent need to eliminate the long, stressful drives families currently face when seeking inpatient psychiatric services for youth.

Surrounded by other guests, Butte County Supervisor Tod Kimmelshue and Sutter County Supervisor Jeff Stephens address the gathering for Orchard Hospital’s new Youth Psychiatric Health Facility groundbreaking. Photo courtesy of Landon Stark

“This project is more than just a building — it’s a safe, healing place. One that provides help, support, and care when it’s needed most,” said Kirsten Storne-Piazza, Director of Psychiatric Programs and Provider Relations.

The new facility will provide comprehensive inpatient care for youth experiencing mental health crises, serving Butte County and neighboring counties. Its completion in Fall 2026 will mark a major step forward in providing timely, local access to specialized mental health services, according to Landon Stark, the hospital’s regional director of business development.

“The Youth Psychiatric Facility will be a beacon of hope — a safe haven for young people in their most difficult times, and a place where they will be seen, heard, and cared for,” said Amy Micheli, CEO of Orchard Hospital, who also expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from American Advanced Management.