Bilirakis Tours Local Statewide Impatient Psychiatric Program and Learns about Mobile Response Youth Intervention Team in Pasco

New Port Richey, FL: Earlier today Congressman Gus Bilirakis joined Gail Ryder, Vice President of BayCare Behavioral Health, to learn more about two critical youth mental health programs in Pasco County. The Statewide Inpatient Psychiatric Program, which Congressman Bilirakis visited today, serves children from ages 11- 18 who need an intensive setting for mental health treatment. During the visit, the Congressman learned more about legislative levers that could help address coverage disparities that make it challenging to acquire qualified staff and meet gaps that exist in pediatric mental health.

Congressman Bilirakis also learned more about the two Mobile Response Intervention Teams that BayCare operates in Pasco and Hernando counties. These mobile teams are a vital resource in crisis situations involving youth. The primary goal of the program is to de-escalate mental health crises, prevent harm, and whenever possible, divert patients from emergency departments, the criminal justice system, and involuntary commitment to a psychiatric facility. The Mobile Response Team, which is staffed by qualified mental health professionals 24 hours per day, seven days per week, assesses risk factors, develops a safety plan, and provides ongoing support until the youth is connected with needed mental health resources in the community.

"Tragically, we have seen significant spikes in the number of youth throughout the country who are struggling with mental health issues, said Congressman Bilirakis. "We have an obligation to provide a supportive system of care and ensure those at risk for harm to themselves or others have access to the high quality treatment they deserve. I am relieved to know BayCare is meeting this critical need in our community and look forward to working with them to remove barriers still remain for our children.