Mind Springs Health, the largest behavioral health care provider on the Western Slope, decided on Thursday not to move forward with a contract to provide mental healthcare services to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainees, a news release states.

The nonprofit had deliberated entering a contract with the Immigration Healthcare Service Corp, (IHSC) a department that operates under ICE, to offer inpatient mental health care services to detained migrants. The Mind Springs Board of Directors unanimously decided not to pursue the partnership on Thursday night, according to a Friday news release.

Grand Junction’s West Springs Hospital, a Mind Springs Health psychiatric hospital, has been engaging with local, state and national groups in an effort to utilize around 18 of the hospital’s beds to provide additional mental healthcare services to vulnerable populations, according to the release. 

In November, Mind Springs Health announced a new management agreement with Larkin Health System. The Florida-based health system is no stranger to migrant healthcare — it has provided surgical, medical, behavioral and mental health services to “individuals in the care of IHSC” and other agencies for over 20 years, the release states. 

Mind Springs decided to forgo a contract with ICE in an effort to maintain community trust after stakeholders and members of the community raised “significant concerns” about the partnership, according to the release.

“After thorough deliberation, the Board concluded that entering into this contract would compromise community trust,” Carlos Cornejo, Mind Springs, Inc. Board Chair, said. “West Springs Hospital and Mind Springs Health are completely committed to providing behavioral healthcare services to all individuals, but we believe that it is essential to maintain the trust and confidence of the communities we serve, and this decision reflects our dedication to that principle.” 

The release also addressed a January social media post that incorrectly claimed Mind Springs planned to use buildings on Commercial Street in Grand Junction to detain migrants. Mind Springs doesn’t own property on Commercial Street and none of the nonprofit’s buildings can become detention facilities, according to the release. 

“Ensuring health equity for all remains a top priority for Mind Springs Health and West Springs Hospital,” Mind Springs Interim CEO Nicholas Torres said. “We recognize the political climate around immigration enforcement, and we will remain a true community partner and vow to continue providing the best possible healthcare to those in need.”