“These are complex social issues that require innovative, effective approaches," said Dr. Monteic A. Sizer, NE Delta HSA Executive Director.
Monroe, LA (PRWEB) December 12, 2014
Northeast Delta Human Services Authority (NE Delta HSA) hosted the first of three working Summits this week in northeastern Louisiana. The Summits focus on improving coordinated care for people in crises situations who suffer from mental health issues and addictive disorders. Dr. Monteic A. Sizer, NE Delta HSA Executive Director, facilitated this week’s meeting with more than 25 regional sheriffs, police chiefs and coroners in attendance.
“We are engaging with law enforcement leadership and hospital systems to address the need for increased psychiatric inpatient care and the protocol for people in crisis who come in contact with police,” said Dr. Sizer. “We have a phased engagement approach with plans to conduct additional meetings with judicial system and rural hospital system representatives. We are working together to find innovative ways to use existing resources and further improve coordination of care, which in turn will improve services for some of our highest-need citizens.”
Ouachita Parish Coroner Teri O’Neal cited at the Summit that Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) has significantly helped reduce the number of Order of Protective Custody issuances. “We still have challenges,” she said, “but this training to diffuse and manage crises situations has had a direct impact.” NE Delta HSA funds the Northeast Delta CIT, which provides specialized training and the utilization of crisis intervention techniques for law enforcement teams to assist people with mental health and addictive disorder issues.
Also at the Summit, NE Delta HSA and University Health Conway (UHC) signed an agreement to provide continuation of medication for clients who are transferring from UHC inpatient care to NE Delta HSA intensive outpatient services. “This agreement fills a gap in service when patients are discharged back into the community,” said Dr. Sizer. “Patients who are already in treatment will have access to their medication prior to their first appointment with us for wraparound services,” he said.
“We look forward to working with regional leaders to further transform our region,” said Dr. Sizer. “These are complex social issues that require innovative, effective approaches, especially in an era of tight budgets. We will continue our dedication to supporting northeast Louisiana as a healthy and productive place to live, work and raise a family.”
Click here to read “Leaders in northeast Louisiana intensify care coordination effort” in the December 8, 2014 edition of Mental Health Weekly.
To see photos from the Summit on our Facebook page, click here.
About Northeast Delta Human Services Authority (Northeast Delta HSA)
Northeast Delta HAS directs the operation of community-based programs to improve the quality of life of people with major mental illness, developmental disabilities and addictive disorders. Northeast Delta HAS is devoted to deliver programs and services that encourage people to reach their true human potential.
Three tenets guide our efforts: excellent customer service, greater access to services and competent, quality care. Northeast Delta HAS serves citizens in 12 parishes of northeastern Louisiana: Caldwell, East Carroll, West Carroll, Ouachita, Lincoln, Madison, Franklin, Morehouse, Jackson, Tensas, Richland and Union. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.nedeltahsa.org or call 318-362-3270.
Media Contact:
Jill Hirsekorn
Northeast Delta HSA Public Information Director
2513 Ferrand Street, Monroe, LA 71201
Phone 318-362-5482
NE Delta HSA Press & Media
http://www.nedeltahsa.org