MHI closings will impact patients

To the editor:

In the Feb. 13 article 'Impact of MHI closings ‘terrifying' for hospitals,” there was no indication of the impact it will have on the patients that benefit from the services these mental health institutes offer. Hospitals are feeling the strain of the inability of sending their patients to Clarinda or Mount Pleasant, making a safe discharge plan for these individuals difficult.

Although Cherokee and Independence will remain open, they will be unable to absorb Iowans affected by closing these institutions and state hospitals. According to State Rep. David Heaton, these institutions could close as soon as April 6. The passing of Senate File 402 will cause a disruption in the lives of many Iowans. Closing these institutions on such short notice does not allow for transition planning for those who are using the facilities or who may need services in the future.

As a social worker, I know that it is important that Iowans who suffer from severe mental health illnesses to have access to a continuum of care, which includes safe and evidence-based practices that provide appropriate treatments. Iowans residing in state mental health institutes will have to be sent to other institutions. Iowans are better served when these intensive services are as close to their communities as possible so families, friends and support systems can be a part of their treatment plans. Making investments in appropriate mental health services will save taxpayer dollars, but we need to make those investments before the state mental health institutes are closed.

Erin Schneider

Cedar Rapids