As someone personally impacted by the vital services offered at the NCH psychiatric hospital, I have become deeply concerned with the news about potential department closures. Based on my personal experience, the NCH psychiatric hospital staff provided a level of care substantially superior to other facilities in the area, demonstrating genuine empathy and dedication to patient wellbeing. This department is more than just a set of hospital rooms: it’s a safe haven for people in the throes of a mental health crisis.

It is important to remember that mental illness is a widespread concern affecting millions of people. According to the World Health Organization, one in four people in the world will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives. In our community, this impacts countless individuals and families who rely on our local mental health institutions, such as NCH, for support in their darkest hours.

Not maintaining an in-patient psychiatric department would drastically undermine access to vital mental health services in our community. Consequently, those in need might be left with options that don’t measure up to the level of quality care that a dedicated in-patient psychiatric institution offers. We’ve seen the difference it makes when the staff truly care for their patients, a reality I've personally experienced at the NCH psychiatric hospital.

We implore Endeavor Health to take our plea into account; the mental health needs of our community cannot be overlooked. We deserve quality local mental health services like the ones NCH provides. Please sign this petition calling on Endeavor Health to maintain a psychiatric department dedicated to in-patients, an invaluable resource to our community.