Psychiatric Hospitals Discharge Patients at Risk of Harm, Leaving Families and Communities Vulnerable.

Breaking News: Psychiatric Hospitals Turn Away Patients Who Need Urgent Care A disturbing trend has emerged across the country, with dozens of psychiatric hospitals discharging patients who are at risk of harming themselves or others in a matter of minutes. According to a recent investigation by ProPublica, these facilities are violating federal law and facing little to no consequences. Timeline of Events On May 20, 2023, Melissa Keele rushed her son to a psychiatric hospital after he was found alone in the desert, naked and disoriented. He was discharged just 102 minutes later, despite being at risk of harming himself. Since then, Keele's son has cycled through hospitals and jails, struggling with his mental health. Immediate Impact The consequences of these discharges are severe. Patients who are turned away from psychiatric hospitals often end up in emergency rooms or even jail cells, where they may receive inadequate care or face further trauma. In some cases, patients have attempted to take their own lives after being discharged. Background Context Federal law requires psychiatric hospitals to provide a minimum of 72 hours of treatment for patients who are at risk of harming themselves or others. However, many hospitals are failing to meet this standard, prioritizing profits over patient care. What Happens Next As the investigation continues, advocates and lawmakers are calling for greater accountability from psychiatric hospitals and government agencies. Keele's son is just one example of the devastating consequences of these discharges. His story highlights the urgent need for reform and increased support for patients struggling with mental health issues. In a statement, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services acknowledged the investigation and promised to review the findings. However, no concrete actions have been taken yet to address this critical issue. As we continue to follow this developing story, it's essential to remember that mental health is just as important as physical health. If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health crisis, please seek help immediately. Contact your local emergency services or reach out to a trusted healthcare professional for support. *This story is developing. Information compiled from Propublica reporting.*