The mentally ill are grossly under-served and under-treated. Even with the best insurance trying to gain access to inpatient treatment facilities, it is next to impossible due to lack of space in existing facilities.
It is truly a desperate situation for all age groups suffering with mental illness. Currently, there are only two private mental health facilities in Hamilton County; one serves youth and the other adults. These facilities are so overcrowded, at times; patients are placed on beds in the hallways.
Families and their loved ones do not need the problem of gaining access to treatment due to lack of space. Treatment should be readily available. It is truly wrong to leave someone suffering without substantive treatment from licensed professionals that oftentimes calls for inpatient treatment.
While I respect the idea that the existing mental health facilities should take the patient regardless of the availability of accommodations, I think this community should have a higher standard than beds in hallways and should immediately expand access to mental health care.
I am very concerned that current mental health screening methods may be based upon the number of beds available, and that is not behavioral science. The lack of mental health facilities is simply unacceptable to any reasonable person.
Erlanger Hospital is stepping up and currently has a proposal for an 88-bed facility in Hamilton County. It seems easy enough; Erlanger is proposing solutions, so build it now.
Erlanger must first be granted approval from the State of Tennessee Health Services and Development Agency that issues Certificate of Need. Fortunately for we the people, the Health Services Board takes public input seriously and gives real consideration to issues raised by regular people.
It is our community too, and we should support Erlanger Hospitals proposed facility. Simply Google, "State of Tennessee Certificate of Need" to get on the record with input by contacting them. If you have trouble finding the tab, please email me.
This Tennessee Health Services and Development Agency takes all letters of support and opposition very seriously. This community needs this facility and we should support Erlanger Hospital’s proposed 88-bed facility.
I really hope that opposition to Erlanger Hospitals proposed facility is nonexistent for a need that is so obvious.
Please speak up and let your citizen voice be counted in the certificate of need process. It is our community, too.
April Eidson
aprile@epbfi.com