The guest column, “Baystate’s plan for mental health facilities would harm patients,” July 11, incorrectly stated that a proposal by another health care organization to consolidate inpatient mental health units into one program would leave the region with only one inpatient program.
I am writing to reassure the community that Cooley Dickinson’s inpatient behavioral health unit remains open and that we are committed to providing inpatient mental health services for the Valley, right here in our community. Our inpatient program is licensed for 22 beds and serves hundreds of patients each year with group and individual therapy, occupational therapy, medication management, trauma-informed care, and comprehensive discharge planning.
Four years ago, we expanded our commitment to supporting local residents with mental health problems by creating a unit within our Emergency Department with trained behavioral health staff in a quieter setting. This unit provides a safer and more comfortable setting for patients who are waiting for further evaluation and a plan for discharge or transfer to an inpatient setting.
We also began an initiative to better integrate behavioral health into primary care at Cooley Dickinson Medical Group at our Atwood Drive facility. This service increases access to care and provides a more coordinated experience.
We are also proud of our commitment to reducing the stigma of mental illness and substance use disorders, including opioid use disorders. Hospitals play a critical role in treating acute mental illness, but patients are served best by access to a wide range of community-based services. We are fortunate to live and work in an area with many high quality programs, even as we know more is needed.
Many of us, our loved ones, or our friends and colleagues will experience a mental health challenge at some point in their lives. While most people will not need hospital level of care, some will. When that happens, we are here and ready to serve.
Joanne Marqusee
President and Chief Executive Officer
Cooley Dickinson Health Care