Northeast Delta Human Services Authority (NE Delta HSA) hosted the second of three working Summits this week at University Health Conway (UHC) in Monroe. The Summits focus on improving coordinated care for people in crises situations who suffer from mental health issues, addictive disorders and developmental disabilities. Dr. Monteic A. Sizer, NE Delta HSA Executive Director, facilitated this week’s meeting with more than 20 regional sheriffs, police chiefs and coroners in attendance.
“We are engaging with our regional law enforcement leadership and hospital systems to address protocol for people in crisis,” said Dr. Sizer. “We are aware of the problems on this matter, including transportation issues and lack of inpatient capacity. We want to put a process in place to significantly reduce the gaps in services throughout the northeast Louisiana region.”
“We are working through a phased engagement approach with plans to conduct additional meetings with judicial system and rural hospital system representatives. We are working together to find innovative, creative ways to use existing resources and further improve coordination of care, which in turn will improve services for some of our highest-need citizens.”
University Health Conway Administrator Larry Donner expressed his appreciation to the group for their efforts in meeting these challenges. “We look forward to continued work with all of our regional partners,’” he said. “At UHC, we feel the challenge, too, and we’re developing a program to further improve how patients move through our system to ensure they are treated and then discharged appropriately.”
“Dealing effectively with people in a mental health crisis positively affects our overall communities,” said Major Mike Moore of the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office. “An improved protocol will enable us to best serve this population while managing our many additional law enforcement duties.”
“We listen to our community leaders, and the result of these sessions will provide tangible solutions and a process that we’ve all agreed to,” said Dr. Sizer. “These are complex social issues that require innovative, effective approaches, especially in an era of tight budgets. We will continue our dedication to supporting northeast Louisiana as a healthy and productive place to live, work and raise a family.”
To see photos from the Public Forum on our Facebook page, click here.
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About Northeast Delta Human Services Authority (Northeast Delta HSA)
Northeast Delta HSA directs the operation of community-based programs to improve the quality of life of people with major mental illness, developmental disabilities and addictive disorders. Northeast Delta HAS is devoted to deliver programs and services that encourage people to reach their true human potential.
Three tenets guide our efforts: excellent customer service, greater access to services and competent, quality care. Northeast Delta HSA serves citizens in 12 parishes of northeastern Louisiana: Caldwell, East Carroll, West Carroll, Ouachita, Lincoln, Madison, Franklin, Morehouse, Jackson, Tensas, Richland and Union. For more information, please visit our website at www.nedeltahsa.org or call 318-362-3270.
Media Contact:
Jill Hirsekorn
Northeast Delta HSA Public Information Director
2513 Ferrand Street, Monroe, LA 71201
Phone 318-362-5482
NE Delta HSA Press & Media
www.nedeltahsa.org
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