Letter: Templeton behavioral health facility is greatly needed
I am writing in support of the 96-bed behavioral health hospital proposed to be built across the street from Twin Cities Hospital in Templeton. The need for such a facility in San Luis Obispo County is great! The proposed location for this facility seems ideal given the proximity to the hospital and medical centers whereby the patient care can be integrated and coordinated for optimal treatment.
With one in four persons expected to experience a mental health diagnosis in their lifetime and one in 12 children, the need for behavioral health care for families in crisis is imperative. Our local County Mental Health facility has to send hundreds of patients out of the county for treatment for lack of beds here. There is no facility in San Luis Obispo County that can provide intense inpatient behavioral therapy. The closest facility for adolescents is in Ventura. Children are often sent to UCLA Neuropsychiatric Hospital for treatment. This creates a huge burden for families who must be part of treatment and exit plans.
This is an opportunity that our county cannot pass up to provide much needed services to underserved children, adolescents, adults, and seniors who need immediate mental health care in our county. The property is zoned for this use. The owners are willing to build the facility. Please help in any way you can to bring this much needed facility to our families and loved ones.
Brenda Schoennauer
Paso Robles, CA
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