35 Fall/Winter 2021-22 that we’re making sure that we’re reducing inequities so that our communities of color aren’t more impacted by virtually every disease whether it’s a chronic disease or an infectious disease, by the impacts of climate change on their neighborhoods and communities. Keeping that focus on keeping them healthy and bringing them the care they need where they are, keeping them socially connected whether it’s their social and emotional health in school, emotional health for our seniors, and those who are more vulnerable to isolation. As a community, let’s continue that momentum when we get through the crisis, let’s continue that investment. I am optimistic. It’s what helps me get through this, but it’s also what I’m seeing during my two years on the job here in Oregon, that systems and people come together, and the Oregon motto “She flies with her own wings” is true. We’re always going to do things a little differently, and we’re going to be successful at it. Our pandemic response has shown that, we’ve made mistakes, we can always do better, but our approach has saved lives and kept more people from getting sick than many of our other states. I think we need to be proud of that. THE GUEST HOUSE EASES THE TRANSITION FROM THE HOSPITAL A collaborative new program helps behavioral health patients and eases ED boarding. “My emotional health just came unraveled. I went to the hospital and said, ‘Hey, I’m in crisis.’” Daniel Verrier of Eugene had reached a low point when he was admitted to the emergency department at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center University District. When his condition stabilized, he might have created a dilemma for the hospital: either keep him “boarding” in the emergency department even though his condition had improved, or discharge him into the community when he still needed behavioral health treatment. Now there’s an answer called the Guest House; a 10-bedroom respite care center recently opened near the hospital. “It bridges the gap between those patients that don’t meet the criteria for a psychiatric hospital but also really do need some added support,” said Janet Perez, LCSW, PeaceHealth Manager of Behavioral Health Services. “Boarding is difficult, it’s difficult on the patient. When they’re at the Guest House, it reduces the length of stay in the ED. What that Guest House does is it begins to give that person a sense of safety, they’re being taken care of, while they work on connecting them to resources.” All the guests stay in a private room, which Verrier said was a major help to his recovery. “I’m hyper vigilant, PTSD real bad, and I didn’t know what to do and “We look at mental health care holistically, caring for mind, body, and spirit, so with the state funding, it allows us to reach the individual where they’re at and provide compassionate care that’s innovative.” Alicia Beymer, Chief Administrative Officer, PeaceHealth Sacred Heart, University District continues
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