Mental-health system needs support
Recently, an editorial was published that discussed the mental health system in our area. While there is certainly work to be done, over the last number of years there have been a number of successes in the region that are noteworthy.
Expansive service development has occurred in recent years, during the time frame of the closing of Mayview State Hospital. The five counties that made up the hospital’s service area – Allegheny, Beaver, Greene, Lawrence, and Washington – implemented many programs in an effort to serve those leaving the hospital, and provided for those who would have otherwise been considered for admission to Mayview. Within the service area, numerous residential programs have been developed, including one serving nearly 500 individuals in permanent supported housing.
While adequate housing options are a cornerstone to success of living in the community, clinical services are also essential. To that end, over 1,000 people received high-intensity Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) in the region, and community-based crisis services were expanded.
In addition to seeing more positive results for individuals living in the community, there is also a significant cost reduction: the closing of Mayview State Hospital resulted in a savings of $175,000 per person, per year when compared to the costs of serving individuals in the community. Budget cuts at the state level continue to jeopardize the ongoing sustainability of many services, but the counties have made commitments to prioritize services for individuals who have left Mayview, and for those in the community who would have gone there.
This spring, Allegheny HealthChoices, Inc. published a report that provides an update on how the 300 individuals who were discharged from Mayview are doing. According to intensive monitoring by the counties, no one discharged has experienced homelessness, and only 18 people had jail admissions. Additionally, inpatient psychiatric admissions have steadily decreased, and lengths of hospital stays have remained flat.
Research has shown that 1 in 4 people endure a period of mental illness at some point in their lives. We need to work together to find positive ways to support the mental-health system and to expand funding for services that effectively address illnesses that touch nearly all our lives.
Brandi Mauck Phillips
Pittsburgh
Mauck Phillips is the chief executive officer of Allegheny HealthChoices, Inc.