Re: “The emergency room crisis” [Feb. 18, Opinion]:
The op-ed identified the large expenditure of tax cash for “unhoused sufferers” estimated at $930 million to $1.15 billion per 12 months on this state. Nonetheless, we have already got the techniques to considerably scale back these expenditures and supply the wanted assist.
King County has many medical and behavioral well being providers underutilized by the hospital and first responder techniques locally. These providers will be recognized and contacted rapidly with the information techniques accessible. If the “unhoused” have group sources already accessible, they are often linked to offer a continuum of care that may scale back the overcrowded techniques.
The information story “The man in Room 117” [Feb. 4, Northwest] addressed this perplexing drawback, stating that what is required is the inclusion of our “strong social assist system.” We already present a “strong social assist system,” we simply aren’t using it.
Effectively-evidenced analysis for years has proven offering those that are homeless with housing and “strong supportive providers” saves the system 50% of the prices of their care. Supportive providers present housing and entry to preventative medical care, vitamin, psychological well being care, remedy monitoring, substance dependancy providers, life expertise, and profession growth.
Peter Moote, MSW, Seattle
