The People Care; the Problem Is the Government

Dear Editor,
    As a former emergency medical technician that worked for two years in a local emergency department and currently a hospital social worker, I believe your article was right on the nose [“Breakdown,” News, June 4]. While the Travis County system is a disgrace, there are many people that are advocating for systematic changes and patient mental health safety, and we are called social workers. We are located in the emergency departments, intermediate care units, hospice, the Austin State Hospital, the Seton Shoal Creek Hospital, Austin Lakes Hospital, Veterans Affairs clinics, Austin Travis County Integral Care, Psychiatric Emergency Services, homeless shelters, and respite housing. Social workers work hand in hand with MD's and nurses and are at the forefront of providing psychological and suicide risk assessments, determining discharge plans, and consistently advocating for a client's well being and safety. The people in our community do care – it is the state of Texas/Travis County government that appear to not – we stand, heads bowed in shame, at 49th in the nation for mental health care. Thank you again for your article.