Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am writing to urgently advocate for the continued operation of West Springs Hospital, a critical mental and behavioral health facility in our community. Recent financial challenges and referral disparities threaten its existence, putting lives at risk and leaving a significant gap in the Western Slope’s mental health care infrastructure. This includes a Medicaid claim denial rate of 20% from its largest insurance payor, an organization that has merged with one of the nation’s largest healthcare organizations.
West Springs Hospital is a state-of-the-art facility and has been a lifeline for individuals in crisis, offering specialized care for the most vulnerable. Its closure would have a devastating impact on our community’s well-being and access to essential mental health services. From July 2022 – December 2023, West Springs Hospital provided care to 1,430 adults and 500 pediatric patients for a total of 1,930 people.
Also, its psychiatric emergency department is unique to the region and provides immediate care stabilization for those who may be suicidal or experiencing a mental health emergency. It is the only psychiatric hospital with a psychiatric emergency department between Denver and Salt Lake City. More than 2,500 individuals have received care at the psychiatric emergency department since it opened in the Fall of 2022.
Without West Springs Hospital, adults, teens, and children on the Western Slope would be left without immediate and close access to emergency psychiatric treatment. Mental and behavioral health care is needed now more than ever. Nationwide, mental health crises account for 12.3% of all adult emergency room visits.
I urge you to join me in supporting West Springs Hospital because it’s a critical access point for emergent behavioral and mental healthcare needs on the Western Slope. Together, we can safeguard this vital resource and uphold our commitment to mental health care.
Sincerely,
