Weirton Medical Center opened its new unit, the Geriatric Behavioral Medicine Center, Monday. The unit is an18-bed facility for older adults with behavioral health problems.

According to Program Director Catherine Willner, the unit is bringing jobs and a new kind of care to the area.

"Unlike regular adult units, geriatric patients have unique needs, and they like to be treated amongst peers," Willner said.

The closest geriatric psychiatric center is located in Pittsburgh, Willner said, and with a growing aging community in the Ohio Valley, it's something the area needs.

"The population is aging," she said. "As more of the baby boomers reach gero (geriatric) age, it becomes more necessary."

Residents of the area also said it's helping with another necessity -- jobs -- and it's also brought in around 20 employees.

"We need the jobs," said area resident Tom Bane. "More than anything else, we need jobs. If they're going to put something here that will put people to work, that's what we need."

Within the next few months, Weirton Medical Center will also open another geriatric facility, which will focus on outpatient care. Willner said that unit will also create jobs.