As a clinical executive leader at Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka and Providence Redwood Memorial Hospital, I am excited to share the news of our participation in the “Light Up Green” initiative in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month this month. This symbolic gesture, alongside other Providence hospitals in Northern California, aims to bring attention to the importance of mental health and reduce the stigma associated with mental health conditions.
Mental Health Awareness Month, established in May 1949, serves as a crucial platform to address the challenges faced by individuals dealing with mental health issues. It is a time for reflection, education and advocacy to promote understanding and support for those in need.
Here in Humboldt County, we have witnessed an extraordinary level of collaboration among various stakeholders, including local hospitals, law enforcement, Sempervirens, the County of Humboldt, and others, all united by a shared focus on improving mental health services within our community. This ongoing partnership, which has been cultivated over the years, underscores the importance of working together to address the mental health needs of our residents.
Providence has stood side by side with our community partners, spearheading a behavioral health collaborative at St. Joseph Hospital’s emergency department. By bringing together stakeholders from across Humboldt County, we have been able to identify shared concerns, align strategies and pave the way for enhanced, future collaboration. It is through these meaningful discussions that we can collectively work towards a more robust and effective mental health support system.
The passing of California State Bill 43 (SB 43) in 2023, which changed the definition of “Grave Disability” by adding “severe substance use disorder” as an additional reason someone could be placed on an involuntary hold, marked a significant milestone in addressing mental health issues in our communities. While the intentions behind the bill were noble, we have identified gaps in infrastructure and resources that pose challenges in meeting the increased demand for mental health services, particularly in rural counties like Humboldt.
Despite these challenges, Providence remains steadfast in our commitment to providing the necessary resources and support to meet the evolving needs of our community. We are actively collaborating with other community organizations to ensure that we can effectively address the expected increase in patients requiring care under SB 43. It is essential to recognize that we are just 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 our emergency departments and psychiatric facilities, it is clear that additional resources, including more psychiatrists, therapists and substance use treatment centers, will be crucial in meeting the growing demand for mental health services. A big step in that direction is the proposed behavioral health crisis triage center in Arcata. The future center, located on land donated by Mad River Hospital, has received funding and grant approval, and represents a beacon of hope in addressing mental health issues locally.
In health care, we understand the toll of mental health issues are not solely the domain of patients or their families. Caring for individuals with behavioral health concerns in our facilities also has significant impacts on providers. At Providence, we prioritize the well-being of staff by offering counseling services, group debrief sessions and support through our “code compassion committee” after difficult and often traumatic encounters with all patients. We feel it’s essential to provide a supportive environment for caregivers to address the emotional impact of their work and seek help when needed. It is not uncommon for physicians and nurses to proactively seek mental health resources available so that they can process their emotions. I can tell you personally that I use therapy as a vital component of my mental health and well-being regimen.
Looking ahead, I am hopeful of a brighter future for the availability of increased mental health services in Humboldt County. The dedication and collaboration of our community partners give me confidence that we can make meaningful progress in supporting individuals with mental health conditions. By working together and advocating for better resources and care options, we can create a more resilient and compassionate community for all.
James Goldberg, M.D., is the interim associate chief medical officer for Providence St. Joseph Hospital and Providence Redwood Memorial Hospital.