Jonesboro Human Development Center celebrates groundbreaking of new Wellness Center

Officials and community members gathered Thursday afternoon to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Jonesboro Human Development Center's upcoming Wellness Center.

JDHC leaders, state legislators and more break ground on the facility

Jonesboro Right NowRachel RuddJDHC leadership and staff, state legislators and community leaders break ground on the facility.

Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Officials and community members gathered Thursday afternoon to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Jonesboro Human Development Center’s (JHDC) upcoming Wellness Center.

Jennifer Brezee, director of the Division of Developmental Disability Services in the Department of Human Services, told JRN the center’s construction was to consolidate all of JDHC’s medical and wellness personnel into one building, and was a response to aging facilities on the campus. She added that the building was set to open in 2027.

“I’m so excited for this day to finally be here and what this will mean for our residents and our families,” Brezee said during the ceremony. “[It’s important] for our residents to have such close and quick access to care right here on campus. They’re not having to get into vans and travel long distances. Also, for our staff, to have new facilities and new spaces to really work with our residents that are all-inclusive and accommodating.”

State Rep. Jack Ladyman (R-District 32) spoke during the ceremony. He helped secure funding for the project, which came from restricted reserve funds.

“This new facility will also include something truly groundbreaking: this will be the first Wellness Center of its kind at any state Human Development Center,” Ladyman said during the ceremony. “This addition recognizes that the whole-person care matters, and that physical and mental wellness are essential to good quality of life.”

DHS operates five Human Development Centers across the state, including the Jonesboro facility, according to its website.

The JDHC has been in operation for over 50 years. It provides 24-hour residential services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Residents receive vocational, recreational and life-skills education, as well as medical care, counseling, speech therapy, and more. It is located at 4701 Colony Drive.

“Although the needs of our residents has evolved, our campus has evolved as well. But, it’s never really been about expansion, it’s about improving the quality of life for the residents that we serve,” said Diane Keith, JDHC superintendent. “They are our true focus and why we’re here today.”