Dear Neighbors,
Rural Minnesota is in dire need of more access to inpatient mental health services. Last year, 350 individuals in need of this specialized care were turned away from rural hospitals due to limited bed capacity. Some were directed hundreds of miles away for placement, given delayed care, or placed in law enforcement custody.
This week I testified on my bill that would allow Sanford Medical Center in Thief River Falls to increase its licensed psychiatric bed capacity to 25 beds. As the region’s only inpatient psychiatric facility, Sanford is limited by current law to a 10-bed maximum.
I was joined by Brian Carlson, CEO Sanford Health-TRF, and Casey Johnson, CFO Sanford Health-TRF, who testified in support of the bill in the House Health and Human Services Policy committee.
Dan, Casey Johnson, and Brian Carlson in committee.
It’s all about access to care. When folks have to travel great distances to receive care, they are disconnected from their family, support networks, and community-based mental health services—all elements that are crucial for a successful recovery.
By improving timely access to care, we can help foster faster recovery times, as well as promote better transitional care coordination and reduce pressure on other in-patient resources throughout the state.
After recent news of the closure of Riverwood Centers, one of the largest mental health agencies in Minnesota, the pressure will only become stronger and stronger. Here is a telling quote from the Star Tribune’s article, Minn. mental health center shuts down, stranding thousands:
“We’re so tight in [psychiatric] beds that any change in the delivery system impacts the whole system,” said Assistant Human Services Commissioner David Hartford. “The agencies need to reorganize to get people the care they need.”
My bill, House File 2314, is supported by health care facilities, county social services, law enforcement, and county attorneys in northwest Minnesota. It’s awaiting action in the Senate.
Visitors
Thanks to everyone who visited me over the past two weeks!
Lee Heaton, Warroad and Tim Sandland of Grygla
Folks from North Star Electric Cooperative and PKM Electric Cooperative.
Rep. Deb Kiel and I met with folks from Red Lake, Roseau, Snake, Tamarac, and Two Rivers watershed districts.
I also met with:
-
Amber Hawkins of TRF
-
Tracey Stoll, Roseau Electric Coop Manager
-
Tim Sandland
-
Leroy Jensen, Northwest Beverage in Thief River Falls
-
Roger Falk, Roseau County Commissioner
-
CenturyTel, Wikstrom and Garden Valley telephone companies
*****
My door is always open to the needs and priorities of our area. Please feel free to let me know if I can be of assistance to you and your family. I am here to serve you!
Dan
**Encourage your neighbors and friends to sign up for my email updates at www.house.mn/01A