Nationally, emergency departments are experiencing alarming rates of psychiatric emergencies like anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts or attempts. Wisconsin’s rural hospitals are no exception, as people living in rural areas are confronted with unique challenges when it comes to caring for their mental health. Locally, mental health resources are limited, and many community members face financial barriers or delay mental health treatment due to stigma or fear of judgment. This often results in visits to the closest emergency department (ED) when in crisis.
In a 12-month period, nearly 50 patients were transferred from Gundersen Boscobel’s ED to inpatient behavioral health facilities, with many others being discharged home with a safety plan and resources for additional support.
To help address this growing community need, Gundersen Boscobel Area Hospital and Clinics has prioritized expanded mental health support in its ED, partnering with Integrated Telehealth Partners (ITP) to bring 24/7 on-demand telepsychiatry services to the emergency setting.
ITP psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners will collaborate with Gundersen Boscobel’s onsite care team to provide the best support for some of its most vulnerable patients. This whole-person approach connects patients in crisis with a licensed mental health provider who can complete a real-time evaluation and recommend timely treatment decisions, interventions and appropriate and safe next steps.
The benefits of this added resource will stretch well beyond the walls of Gundersen Boscobel.
“We have a great working relationship with the hospital and routinely share opportunities and barriers when it comes to mental health in our community,” said Jaden McCullick, Chief of Police in Boscobel. “Often, our local officers are the first to respond when individuals are in crisis. Having this expanded mental health support in our local emergency department will be a huge benefit for our community’s well-being going forward.”
The Boscobel Area Hospital and Clinics Foundation is currently working to raise $40,000 to help support start-up costs and first-year costs associated with this expanded mental health service. Every donation received through Jan. 31 will be matched dollar for dollar up to $20,000 by generous lead donors: Platinum Donor ($10,000), Pat Thiele, and Gold Donors ($5,000), Boscobel Community Foundation and John and Mary Pat Bohlman. Their belief in this cause and incredible generosity have made this match challenge possible.
To learn more about the Boscobel Area Hospital and Clinics Foundation and how ITP will benefit the communities served by Gundersen Boscobel Area Hospital and Clinics, or to donate, visit gundersenhealth.org/ locations/boscobel/foundation.
