A local hospital is now working with a mental health center to improve crisis services. Washington County Mental Health and Hillcrest Family Services collaborated for the emergency room project at the Washington County Hospital.

According to Kristin Helm with Hillcrest, when someone goes to the emergency room for symptoms related to mental illness, a clinician is sent to the hospital to provide an assessment to determine what level of care is necessary. She says so far, 80% of the individuals who have visited the WCHC emergency room have been able to be treated at home and avoid an inpatient hospital stay.

Washington County Mental Health Director Bobbie Wulf says they’re working to expand the service to Henry and Keokuk counties.

Those suffering from a mental illness can also contact Hillcrest directly and avoid going to the hospital altogether. The mental health assessments are available at the WCHC emergency room between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. and at Hillcrest between 8 to 5.