HJNO May/Jun 2021

36 MAY / JUN 2021  I  HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF NEW ORLEANS   Healthcare Briefs River Place Behavioral Health Opens NewAdolescent Unit River Place Behavioral Health’s new adoles- cent unit has opened to treat adolescents age 12-17 who struggle with conditions like depres- sion, ADHD, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anxiety. Located in LaPlace, Louisiana, River Place expects to treat approximately 400 patients per year at its 22-bed inpatient unit. In 2018, Ochsner Health partnered with Acadia Healthcare to open River Place Behavioral Health, an 82-bed inpatient facility. Through the joint ven- ture, Acadia manages the hospital while Ochsner psychiatrists and providers deliver much needed inpatient behavioral health services to adults and adolescents. “We are thrilled to open this new unit,” said Dean Hickman, MD, psychiatry system chair, Och- sner Health and medical director, River Place Behavioral Health. “Across Louisiana, we have a lack of inpatient beds to treat our young patients with behavioral health concerns, and this region is no different. said “Now, more young people will be able to receive treatment without having to travel great distances.” Approximately one in five children in the United States have a mental health disorder, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Preven- tion (CDC), with most mental health conditions beginning by age 14. Suicide is the third-lead- ing cause of death for children ages 12-17, mak- ing treatment at this age critically important. The demand for care is significant. However, state- wide, there are far fewer inpatient beds available than adolescent patients seeking care. Treatment in the adolescent program may include basic medical care along with individual, family, and group therapy sessions. Typical length of stay in the unit is seven to 10 days, though this will vary depending on each adolescent’s spe- cific concerns and goals. Before completing the program, their care team will provide each young person and their family with aftercare planning that defines the next steps in the healing process. “We’re excited to provide adolescent care for our community with the opening of our new unit,” says Jeremy Pitzer, CEO of River Place Behavioral Health. “We understand how important it is for children and teens to receive age-specific behav- ioral health treatment, and we’re committed to working closely with parents or guardians to ensure that they are thoroughly involved in their child’s care.” River Place Behavioral Health is designed to meet the diverse needs of its patients. It offers outdoor areas for recreation, including an out- door basketball court for the adolescent unit. Patients also have access to a group room with a foosball table and a private dining/multi-purpose room decorated with local and regional photog- raphy and artwork. All units have been designed to provide a peaceful and calming environment. Low stimulus rooms are available, as well as those designed for activity. The unit will be staffed by five physicians, seven nurse practitioners and physician assistants, and several support staff. Once fully staffed, the unit will add 40 positions to the facility. “Ochsner is proud to continue partnering with Acadia Healthcare to provide even more services to patients in the River Parishes region,” said Ste- phen Robinson, CEO, Ochsner Medical Center – Kenner and the River Region. “Behavioral health is critically important, and we are committed to enhancing care for patients of all ages.” River Place Behavioral Health Hospital is located at 500 Rue de Sante in LaPlace. WorldWater Day: Putting Water within Reach for Louisiana Students World Water Day, which was March 22, high- lighted the importance of access to safe, clean water worldwide. A United Nations-observance held every year, the day raises awareness of a problem throughout the world, including the United States and the State of Louisiana. During a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has heightened awareness around access to safe water and sanitation as a basic human right, the American Heart Association is hoping Louisiana lawmakers consider legislation that helps put clean drinking water within reach for the state’s students. House Bill 132, filed by Representative Vin- cent J. Pierre, D-Lafayette, requires newly con- structed public school buildings and those under- going major renovations to be equipped with River Place Behavioral Health’s new adolescent unit has opened to treat adolescents age 12-17 who struggle with conditions like depression, ADHD, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anxiety.