Kansas City Faces Challenges as Psychiatric Hospitals Prepare to Close
In Kansas City, Mo., big changes are on the horizon for mental health services in the northland. With the looming closures of two psychiatric hospitals, many in the community are left wondering what the future holds for those seeking mental health support. As Signature Hospital prepares to shut its doors on October 18th, the impact is expected to resonate far beyond the hospital walls.
Community Health Impact
Signature Hospital has been a significant player in the local mental health landscape for over a decade, with facilities located in both North Kansas City and Liberty. The **upcoming closure** isn’t just about bricks and mortar; it also means that around 90 inpatient beds for psychiatric care will be lost. Tom Petrizzo, CEO of Beacon Mental Health, a remaining outpatient service in the Northland, remarked on the situation, stating, “It will be a big gap because those units were large. Those are all in-patient psychiatric beds. So, that’s a huge loss to the community as well as the Metro of Kansas City.”
What’s Causing the Closure?
According to a statement by Acadia, the parent company of Signature Hospital, the North Kansas City Hospital will be reclaiming the space leased by Signature for its own expansion. They indicated that this decision, “Without this location which serves as the administrative hub for both locations, we are unable to maintain operations.” This points to the broader issues in the healthcare system, where space and resources are stretched thin.
Remaining Resources and Support
The closure of Signature Hospital leaves a significant gap for patients seeking immediate mental health support. Fortunately, organizations like Beacon Mental Health are stepping up to ensure that care continues. “People can walk in, get an assessment for mental health or substance use needs, and we’ll connect them on where they need to go,” Petrizzo explained. He assured the community that Beacon’s crisis team would be available to respond to immediate needs as they arise. “So, we’re still here,” he said.
Emergency Services Still Available
Even with the closure of the Signature facilities, help remains accessible. Liberty Hospital has assured the community that they will continue to care for patients in need of emergency behavioral health services. North Kansas City Hospital echoed this commitment, stating they are “committed to supporting whole person care and making mental and behavioral health services available to the community.” This continuity of care is crucial in ensuring that individuals don’t fall through the cracks during this transitional phase.
Looking Ahead
While the situation is challenging, particularly with the increased burden on existing mental health facilities, both hospitals have made it clear they will continue to prioritize mental health services and support. Patients who might have relied on Signature Hospital will need to explore other avenues of care, which could mean traveling further to find the support they need.
Help Is Available
If you or someone you know is going through a mental health crisis, it’s important to remember that resources are available. You’re encouraged to reach out for help by calling or texting the hotline at 9-8-8. In times like these, community support and access to care are more important than ever.
As Kansas City grapples with this loss, the hope is that the community will come together to find solutions and continue to support one another in these trying times.
