HISTORY
For over 50 years, Duane Dean Behavioral Health Center -- a 501C-3
not-for-profit organization -- has been providing treatment, addiction intervention and prevention services to adults who reside in Kankakee and Iroquois counties throughout east-central Illinois.
Duane Dean Behavioral Health Center uses the Matrix Model, an evidence-based outpatient treatment program with over 20-years of research and development behind it.
Important Milestones
1972
Agency founded by M. Duane Dean, a local pharmacist alarmed by the growing number of individuals becoming addicted to heroin. Initially called Thresholds, the center was located at the former Kankakee State Hospital (Shapiro Developmental Center).
1976
Operations move to 700 E. Court Street in Kankakee.
1977
After several name changes, the agency is finally named to honor its founder.
1982
M. Duane Dean passes away, but his mission continues.
1994
Groundbreaking for building expansion.
1998
Women’s treatment program initiated.
Selected by the Center for Substance Abuse (CSAT) to be part of a national study on accreditation of opioid treatment programs.
1999
Changed name to Duane Dean Behavioral Health Center.
2000
Women’s Program expands with the addition of Project SAFE —
a partnership with the Division of Alcohol & Substance Abuse (DASA) and the Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS).
Opioid treatment program receives 1-year accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), International.
2001
Opioid Treatment Program receives 3-year accreditation from CARF, International.
2004
Women’s program relocates to 557 E. Court St. in Kankakee.
Women’s program receives first CARF accreditation.
2010
Women & Children’s Center relocates to 1015 N. 5th Ave. in Kankakee – providing services on a part-time basis.
The program begins providing childcare and transportation to women with children.
2012
The Center celebrates 40 years of service.
Women & Children’s Wellness Center moves to full-time operation and adds “family-centered treatment/recovery support services.”
The Center receives a contract to treat returning veterans suffering from a substance use problem.
2017
Duane Dean Behavioral Health Center partners with Rincon Family Services.