Following the closure of the only crisis stabilization unit in Sonoma County, area hospitals are seeing a rise in mental health patients seeking care in their emergency departments, The Press Democrat reported Sept. 30.
In August, county officials closed the facility to address a mold infestation. Remediation work is ongoing and it may take several more months before the facility — which provides 24/7 crisis stabilization services for patients experiencing mental health crises — can reopen.
In the meantime, local hospitals are seeing an uptick in ED volumes. Spokespersons for Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital and Providence Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital told the news outlet they have seen more mental health patients since the facility has closed.
County officials said they are working with local hospitals to coordinate care for patients, and that Sonoma County is considering whether to contract with an alternative site or use a section of an existing short-term psychiatric health facility until the facility reopens.