Yavapai Regional Medical Center is pleased to share this story about the West Yavapai Guidance Clinic Crisis Stabilization Unit. Our thanks to YRMC HealthConnect contributors Laura Norman, Executive Director of West Yavapai Guidance Clinic Foundation, and Cindy Brown, Development Manager of West Yavapai Guidance Clinic Foundation.
Community support and donations have made something vital happen. We can’t wait to share the one-month outcome data from the West Yavapai Guidance Clinic Crisis Stabilization Unit! Here it is, ‘by the numbers’:
- At the end of exactly four weeks of operations, the CSU has served 160 patients.
- The highest volume we have seen in a 24-hour period was 13.
- One big surprise in the utilization data so far: weekends have been slower than weekdays.
But the numbers don’t tell it all. Who are the people who have come to the Crisis Stabilization Unit, reaching out a hand for help?
“The most common presenting issues have been intoxication, or suicidal thoughts, or a combination of both,” explained Shawn Hatch, LCSW, CCS, AADC, Chief Clinical Officer of West Yavapai Guidance Clinic.
It may be difficult for some of us to understand what a crisis means, and how darkness and pain may be overwhelming those who come to the CSU. Here is one story of how we made a difference to a western Yavapai County resident who had not previously been served by West Yavapai Guidance Clinic:
When a woman in her 30s entered the CSU, she was experiencing severe anxiety and suicidal thoughts. She lacked sleep, and she had not taken prescribed medication. She voiced her concerns and uncertainty about being at CSU, at which point staff reassured her repeatedly that she was in a safe place. Ultimately she voiced that she felt better knowing there is a place like this. She now knows where to go should this happen again.
This is powerful testimony to the value that CSU has in our local continuum of health and mental health care. Thank you for your support of this critical work. If you are a part of a congregation or civic group that would like to have someone from the Clinic come and speak on this life-saving program, please email Cindy Brown.
Take a virtual tour of the Crisis Stabilization Unit:
Feel free to share with family and friends!
Questions? Contact us:
West Yavapai Guidance Clinic Foundation
3343 N. Windsong Dr.
Prescott Valley, AZ 86314
(928) 445-5211 ext., 3634