City of Wichita signals support for mental health hospital in Sedgwick County

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – For the Wichita Metropolis Council’s consideration at its assembly subsequent Tuesday, April 5, is a decision to assist a state-owned and operated psychological well being hospital in Sedgwick County.

The council’s agenda for its subsequent assembly consists of background and evaluation of the decision and a suggestion that the council passes it.

“The Sedgwick County area is experiencing a psychological well being, substance abuse and homelessness disaster,” the background on the town council agenda merchandise stated. “Osawatomie State Hospital and Larned State Hospital are at capability, with an extended ready checklist for entry to care.”

The background data accompanying the decision additionally factors out the Sedgwick County Jail is over capability with about 75 % of inmates experiencing a psychological well being and/or substance abuse problem and between 2019 and 2021, the variety of inmates on psychological medicines elevated by greater than 35 %.

“The Sedgwick County Affiliation of Cities requested all the county’s metropolis councils to contemplate adopting a decision in assist of a state-funded psychological well being hospital within the county.

“A state psychological well being hospital positioned within the Sedgwick County area would fill important gaps in care, location, sources and companies accessible for the security and applicable remedy for individuals affected by psychological well being and/or substance abuse points,” the evaluation regarding the decision stated on the Wichita Metropolis Council’s assembly agenda.

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