As clinical executive leaders at Providence Saint Joseph Hospital and Providence Redwood Memorial Hospital in Eureka, I am pleased to be participating in the “Light Up Green” initiative in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month this month. Along with other Providence hospitals in Northern California, this symbolic effort aims to draw attention to the importance of mental health and reduce the stigma associated with mental health illnesses.
Established in May 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month serves as an important platform to address the challenges faced by people with mental health issues. The month is a time of reflection, education and advocacy to promote understanding and support for those in need.
Here in Humboldt County, various stakeholders including local hospitals, police, Sempervirens and Humboldt County have come together with a common focus on improving mental health services in our community, creating an extraordinary level of collaboration. This ongoing partnership, nurtured over the years, highlights the importance of working together to address the mental health needs of our residents.
Providence has been working with local partners to spearhead behavioral health collaboration efforts in the St. Joseph Hospital Emergency Department. Bringing together stakeholders from across Humboldt County has helped us identify common concerns, align strategies, and pave the way for enhanced future collaborations. Through these meaningful discussions, we can collectively work toward a stronger and more effective mental health support system.
California State Bill 43 (SB 43), passed in 2023, changed the definition of “severe disorder” to add “severe substance use disorder” as an additional reason for involuntary detention. This marked a significant milestone in addressing mental health issues in our community. While the intentions behind the bill were noble, we identified gaps in infrastructure and resources that have created challenges in meeting the increased demand for mental health services, especially in rural counties like Humboldt.
Despite these challenges, Providence remains steadfast in its commitment to providing the resources and support necessary to meet the changing needs of our community. We are actively working with other community organizations to ensure we can effectively address the anticipated increase in patients requiring treatment under SB 43. It is important to recognize that we are only one part of a larger community effort to meet the demands of this law and support those in crisis.
As we anticipate the impact SB 43 will have on emergency departments and psychiatric facilities, it’s clear that additional resources like psychiatrists, therapists and substance use treatment centers will be critical to meeting the growing demand for mental health services. A big step in that direction is the proposed Behavioral Health Crisis Triage Center for Arcata. To be built on land donated by Mad River Hospital, this future center has received funding and grant approval and represents a beacon of hope in addressing local mental health issues.
In healthcare, we understand that mental health issues are not just for patients and their families. Caring for individuals with behavioral health issues in our facilities also has a significant impact on healthcare workers. At Providence, we prioritize the well-being of our staff by offering counseling services, group debriefings, and support through our “Code Compassion Committee” after difficult and often traumatic encounters with every patient. We believe it is essential to provide a supportive environment for caregivers to deal with the emotional impact of their work and seek help when needed. It is not uncommon for doctors and nurses to actively seek out available mental health resources to help them process their emotions. I personally utilize therapy as a key component of my mental health and well-being regimen.
We look forward to a brighter future with more mental health services in Humboldt County. With the dedication and collaboration of our community partners, we believe we can make meaningful progress in supporting individuals experiencing mental health challenges. By working together to promote better resources and care options, we can create a more resilient and compassionate community for all.
James Goldberg, MD, is interim deputy chief medical officer for Providence Saint Joseph Hospital and Providence Redwood Memorial Hospital.
