NE Delta HSA Catalyzing the Opening of Inpatient Psychiatric Facility in Marion, LA
Monroe, LA (PRWEB) August 06, 2015 -- Northeast Delta Human Services Authority (NE Delta HSA) hosted its third working summit yesterday at University Health Conway (UHC) in Monroe that focused on improving coordinated care for people in crises situations who suffer from mental health issues, addictive disorders and developmental disabilities. Dr. Monteic A. Sizer, NE Delta HSA Executive Director, facilitated the meeting attended by regional sheriffs, police chiefs, coroners and elected officials. It was announced at the meeting that an inpatient psychiatric facility is in the works for Marion, Louisiana, which will provide much-needed inpatient capacity to northeast Louisiana. The facility will be financed and operated by private investors who will work closely with public entities to determine and meet regional needs.
“Catalyzing the coordination of care for citizens experiencing a crisis, particularly those who may suffer from co-occurring mental health, substance issues and developmental disabilities, is one my top priorities,” said Dr. Sizer. “We have listened, we have heard and now it is time to act. There will be more systematic planning needed to open this facility, but our efforts to date have put us well on our way. A new inpatient psychiatric facility will not solve all of the region’s problems. Rather, it is designed to speak to an identified need, which we will address using our Integrated Services Model, which employs extensive collaboration among groups who all work toward better health outcomes for the citizens of northeast Louisiana.”
Dr. Sizer said, “We are also trying to address crisis needs faced by our law enforcement communities from citizens who present a danger to themselves or others. Solving this facet of the problem will require additional action among our communities, but standing up a new inpatient psychiatric facility will greatly benefit our population.”
University Health Conway Administrator Larry Donner voiced his thanks to NE Delta HSA for their work in providing additional services in the community. “We hope to identify additional ways to help,” he said.
“Dr. Sizer is progressive, even in these difficult times, and I’m proud to be a part of a group of healthcare providers to positively affect outcomes,” said Lester Johnson, MD, University Health Conway Chief of Surgery and Dean of Rural Health Initiatives.
Bland Greeson, Rayville Recovery Administrator, is working to put the new inpatient psychiatric facility in place in Marion. “I have a passion for recovery. My priority here today is to offer excellent care in Marion and help get this region well. We want to treat not only those with mental health issues, but also those who need help with addiction.”
Three elected officials were in attendance at yesterday’s meeting. State Rep. Charles “Bubba” Chaney said, “This facility is much-needed in the largely rural area I represent. We are attempting to address these issues from many angles of the system to reach and treat those who need care.”
“Although there is still much to be done, there is great potential in this promising and exciting initiative,” said State Rep. Frank Hoffman.
“After years of extensive state cuts, it is imperative that we work together to ensure access to mental health services,” said State Rep. Katrina R. Jackson, “I am excited and committed to work with this diverse group.”
“The number of people who need help is significant,” said Major Chad Alexander, Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office. “The law enforcement community recognizes this and wants to make every effort to get people the help they need.”
“We have taken the healthcare integration initiative to heart,” said Dr. Sizer. “To do nothing in the face of crisis would be a defeat for our citizens. Our citizens need and must have better than that. That’s why we are pursuing this initiative and working in collaboration with others to make this facility a reality. Not only will this facility help meet the need for inpatient psychiatric care, but staffing it will also spur economic development in our rural communities.”
To see photos from the meeting on our Facebook page, click here.
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About Northeast Delta Human Services Authority (Northeast Delta HSA)
Northeast Delta HSA 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 HSA 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
http://www.nedeltahsa.org
Jill Hirsekorn, Northeast Delta Human Services Authority, http://www.nedeltahsa.org, +1 318-362-5482, [email protected]
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