Hospitals Kick Vet in Crisis to the Curb
Portsmouth Police Officers tried desperately to find help for a veteran suffering a mental health crisis, but everywhere they turned for help, medical facilities turned them down.
It all started at 1:23 am, when the man called for help, complaining the SOMC ER was not treating him properly.
When officers arrived at the ER, they learned the veteran was in the middle of a PTSD episode. SOMC personnel asked police to remove the troubled man from the hospital because he was behaving aggressively.
The man left without a problem, and officers attempted to find alternative treatment. KDMC said they did not treat for mental health issues, and there were no other emergency services available in the area.
Officers contacted both the VA and Shawnee Mental Health Clinic and were told neither would see the man unless he was seen at SOMC first.
There was no transportation available to take the man to Adena Medical Center in Chillicothe and the man did not have his own vehicle.
Bryan Davis, Scioto County Commissioner and member of the National Commission on Mental Health and Wellbeing spoke to SCDN about this issue.
“It truly saddens me to hear of the difficulty this man encountered. We are lobbying at the National and State levels for funding for Mental Health Crisis Centers to be established. The state cut back on services over the last 30 years, and here we are. People need help. This is a nationwide problem being encountered literally everywhere in our communities. We are advocating for more access, better more realistic legislation, and more funding to help our citizens. The funding required will take a federal and state approach. The problem now is the help can’t come fast enough”.
Portsmouth City Councilperson and ADAMHS board member Lyvette Mosley also spoke to SCDN.
“Our country is facing an unprecedented mental health crisis. This crisis isn’t just affecting the adults. it’s devastating young people, and people from every background are impacted in some way. I’m a woman of faith, and I strongly believe in prayer. Our 1st responders must be ready to handle these situations with an understanding of what they can be dealing with at any time. God help our country”.