As Southern California residents continue to face increased financial pressures, the demand for behavioral health services has grown significantly. With hospitals also under financial duress, it is becoming more challenging to meet the needs of those who struggle with mental health and substance use disorders. But with hospitals also under financial duress — 53% of all hospitals statewide lose money every day to deliver patient care — it is becoming more challenging to meet the needs of those who struggle with mental health and substance use disorders. At HASD&IC, we understand that behavioral health has a lasting impact on the entire health care system, evidenced by behavioral health being elevated to a top HASD&IC board priority by both the community and our hospitals.
On any given day in California, 550 patients remain in inpatient psychiatric care, even when they’re ready for discharge; the average number of unnecessary days these patients spend in the hospital is 27. Last year, we had more than 20,000 total administrative days — also known as inpatient days for individuals admitted for acute psychiatric services despite no longer meeting the criteria for that level of care. These patients remained in the hospital not out of need, but due to a lack of appropriate placement options. In 2019, this number was at 14,600 days, which shows that the demand for behavioral health services only continues to grow. This congestion means patients are in more restrictive settings than necessary, which also leads to a greater burden on our already overcrowded emergency departments.
We are in the beginning phase of a new research project with Health Management Associates, Inc., which will conduct an environmental scan of the current state of behavioral health across San Diego and Imperial counties — including services, programs, and resources for adults, adolescents, and children. Our last behavioral health analysis was completed nearly seven years ago, but with the increasing challenges that patients are facing, it’s critical to understand evolving systemic issues and where we need more investments.
At HASD&IC, we value the importance of understanding our community’s needs, and we will continue our work to address the behavioral health crisis through our research and ongoing advocacy efforts.