A three-month pilot program the began in Washington in April at the Washington County Hospital and Clinics Emergency Room is seeing success. Hillcrest Family Services provided crisis response services in the emergency room. Lead therapist Kristin Helm of Hillcrest and Bobbie Wulf, Washington County Central Point of Coordination, presented an update at yesterday’s board of supervisors meeting.

Currently services are available from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., but Helm hopes to have those extended to midnight. Helm added during the pilot period 35 clients were assisted with 73% using outpatient services.

County Supervisor and director of the area ambulance Richard Young says he wishes it was 24 hours a day, every day and it has helped decrease the number of transports needed by the ambulance service. Wulf added they will be presenting the program at the fall meeting of the Iowa State Association of Counties.

A contract between the hospital and Hillcrest has been agreed upon so services will continue in the area emergency room.