A Hidden Crisis: South Carolina’s Behavioral Health System
Too many patients have no place to go for the care they need. Over the past 30 years, the state has drastically reduced the number of psychiatric beds and even closed entire hospitals.
Initially, the goal was to transfer patients from the large, state-run hospitals back to their own communities. Closing state hospital beds would free up funding that would help support treatment back home.
This was a good plan in theory and received much support. Unfortunately, the anticipated funding once allocated for state psychiatric hospitalization did not follow the patient back to his community. Instead it was diverted to other uses and to cover budget shortfalls, leaving thousands of patients on the streets of their hometowns in need of care.
To learn more, go http://scha.org/mentalhealth
2 Comments
I was just completely uplifted by these Dr's and therapists and patient advocates about the plight of the mentally challenged in SC. Working within the Nursing field all of my life I , and, many others in our field noticed the inability of the state to offer individuals and their families competent care with someone needing help with those suffering from mental challenges. This video and depiction of those dealing with and suffering from a form of mental challenge was truly brought forth by those who care and want to find a better way, a best way, a most humane way to interact with those having psychiatric and mental challenges. It is a very good open look that realizes we are not doing our best and that we can do much, much better . Our prison populations are highly overrun with the mentally disabled,, mentally challenged, and mentally forgotten. In this day and age and with all the advances in Healthcare there is absolutely no need whatsoever for this to be happening. No just reason whatsoever. Money is allocated in every state fir the care if the individuals within that state . As everyone in this video has stated, it seems that every disease or disability is and has been taken care of except for the needs of the mentally disabled. What does that say about the conscience of SC in its view of the mentally challenged??? Well, as so much as been avoided and overlooked in the allocation of funds for the mentally challenged, well, that speaks for itself. These people deserve every dignity and right as every other human being that walks this earth. They are not less and should not be overlooked or forgotten because we don't understand their disease or just aren't educated enough to understand their plight . It truly doesn't matter. What does is the fact that every human being with a disease is treated ethically and with dignity. I can't imagine any human being that doesn't deserve that. Before you judge someone or something it would be best to become educated about the situation. Perhaps, if many in the ability to help these patients had been educated we wouldn't be dealing with this crisis now. You only grow if you know!!! Be an advocate for everyone that needs Healthcare . The stigma for mental health has long passed in so very many other countries . We need to get on board, get educated, and get helping. A life of caring for others is a life superbly lived. There is no other passion for those that truly care. Wake up. Lift your voice. Be an advocate for those mentally challenged who cannot. To have a better world of equality you must take place in your actions to create a better world of equality.
I stumbled across this. It was ahead of its time and a canary in the mine especially during pandemic. State BH has not equipped a good CBC foundation after shutdown of institutions.