April 26, 2019
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center will open a $2.6 million inpatient unit expansion on the fifth floor of Harding Hospital to provide additional access for mental and behavioral health services. The 18 new private rooms, which had previously been outpatient offices, will be available to patients on Tuesday, April 30.
“We are committed to improving access and providing the highest quality of care to treat patients with mental and behavioral health needs,” said David P. McQuaid, chief executive officer of The Ohio State University Health System and chief operating officer of the Wexner Medical Center.
The 91-bed Ohio State Harding Hospital offers the most comprehensive adult inpatient and outpatient mental health programs for adolescents, adults and older adults. The hospital’s team includes psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, registered nurses, occupational therapists, recreational therapists, chaplains and licensed counselors.
“This expanded capacity will help us to better meet the rising demand for inpatient behavioral health services,” said Dr. Eileen Ryan, interim chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at Ohio State. “Mental illness is a national crisis affecting one in five – or about 43 million – Americans each year. These new beds will provide more access for patients who are in critical need of these specialized behavioral health inpatient services.”
The adult inpatient program at Ohio State Harding Hospital provides emergency stabilization, diagnosis and the initial stages of treatment. Stabilization is particularly important if there is a risk for personal harm (including suicide risk) or injury to others.
Treatment for anxiety disorders, panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and trauma occurs in a supportive environment emphasizing family participation and a return to independent living. Treatment and progress toward wellness can then continue through a partial hospitalization or outpatient program.
For more information about Ohio State Behavioral Health, visit Wexnermedical.osu.edu/mentalbehavioral.
Media should call the Media Relations office at 614-293-3737 to make arrangements to tour the new area between 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday. Attached is a photo of Ohio State Harding Hospital.
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Media Contact: Eileen Scahill, Wexner Medical Center Media Relations, 614-293-3737, Eileen.Scahill@osumc.edu