In Crisis – Out of Room is a report of a very challenging crisis, presented by Ross Jones in the form of an article, video, interactive feature. Jones’ exclusive reports on a Scripps News investigation that “reveals psychiatric boarding doesn’t discriminate by families’ race, income or whether they are insured, and there are no geographic exceptions. It’s a nationwide problem.
Boarding in the emergency room isn’t unusual for patients waiting for other types of treatment, but hospitals report mentally ill patients are boarded most frequently. Doctors and nurses said the long waits could be traumatizing for young psychiatric patients.”
As a Family Advocate, I work every day with families in Portland, Oregon who struggle to get help for their children and young adults. This is a highly complex issue and doesn’t have one “culprit” to blame as the cause, nor are there easy answers. I urge if you are reading this, to click on the link and learn about the crisis we face seeking mental, behavioral and emotional care for our children and the many barriers that stand in our way. I will add to the story that this isn’t just about having more hospital beds. Kids are discharged from these hospital stays without full evaluation, treatment plans, or being connected to providers who can see them right away. According to the stats in this video, in 2015, suicide was the second leading cause of death for our teens. We must come together to value comprehensive care for our children and their families. <3
If you are in Oregon and you are motivated to learn more or to get involved in youth suicide prevention, legislation we are introducing for better continuity of care, or if you know someone who needs help, contact me: julie@diyadvocacycenter.com
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