Last week, state officials, community leaders, and UK HealthCare officials came together to celebrate the opening of a new emergency unit in Lexington. This facility is specifically designed to provide compassionate and specialized care to patients who are going through a mental health crisis.
The EmPATH Unit, located on the Eastern State Hospital campus, is a pioneering initiative in Kentucky. It commenced operations on July 30 and stands as the state’s first-ever Emergency Psychiatric Assessment, Treatment, and Healing facility.
The United States currently has approximately 30 EmPATH units in operation. In an effort to introduce this innovative approach to emergency behavioral health care in Kentucky, UK HealthCare and New Vista, a mental-health care provider serving 17 counties in the Lexington area, have partnered with the state Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Their collaboration aims to bring this new model of care to the people of Kentucky.
Eastern State’s Chief Administrative Officer and psychologist, Lindsey Jasinski, attributes the success of the model to peer support. Patients are provided with the opportunity to connect with others who have firsthand experience in taking medication, undergoing therapy, and engaging in various programs.
Jasinski explained that within their unit, they have individuals who are willing to share their personal experiences. These individuals offer valuable insights and guidance to those who may be going through challenging situations. By hearing from someone who has conquered adversity, it can provide hope and inspiration to others. This aligns with the core principles of the EmPATH model, which aims to foster a sense of hope and resilience.
ERs are highly skilled at providing critical care for acute injuries, illnesses, and traumas. However, they are often ill-equipped and understaffed to effectively handle individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. Due to the need to prioritize patients with life-threatening conditions, those seeking mental health care in an ER may face extended wait times in an environment that is not ideally suited to address their needs.
Dr. Andrew Cooley, a UK HealthCare psychiatrist and the chief medical officer for Eastern State Hospital since 2013, acknowledges the exceptional care provided by emergency departments, which save numerous lives daily. However, he recognizes that patients with life-threatening injuries will naturally take precedence over those experiencing behavioral health crises. To address this, EmPATH was created as an alternative solution. When a patient arrives at EmPATH, they are promptly greeted and receive immediate care, prioritizing their needs.
The EmPATH unit, which falls under the umbrella of UK HealthCare, will have its own dedicated entrance at Eastern State’s campus in Lexington, specifically located on Bull Lea Road. The hospital, which is state-owned and managed by UK HealthCare, comprises 195 acute-care beds and offers vital, recovery-oriented psychiatric care for adults residing in a 50-county area of Kentucky.