Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center and Twin Cities Community Hospital have partnered with the County of San Luis Obispo and the Sierra Mental Wellness Group to place employees, who are specially-trained on mental health, in emergency departments at both hospitals. These employees will provide an invaluable service by screening patients and providing support for those dealing with mental health issues.

“This partnership is providing an excellent service to our community,” said Anne Robin, Behavioral Health Director for the County of San Luis Obispo. “We are able to provide better care for patients by having these employees focus on the direct needs of mental health patients.” Having these employees stationed in both hospital emergency departments is vital for patients experiencing mental health emergencies.

“Being at the hospital gives us the unique opportunity to be available to the staff and patients immediately after a patient arrives with a crisis, rather than having them wait for a member of the mental health evaluation team to be dispatched to the hospital,” said Heather Bailey, Crisis Specialist at Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center. “We are assisting with placement of patients who are awaiting transfers to out-of-county psychiatric facilities, which can expedite the amount of time it takes to get a patient the kind of treatment they need.”

“One of the biggest benefits of this program is that these patients are cared for in a timely manner, by employees who are trained in mental health,” said Dr. Cinnamon Redd, who specializes in emergency medicine at Twin Cities Community Hospital. “This is a great asset for both of our hospitals. We are able to utilize our resources in the community to provide superior care for our patients.”

The goal of this initiative – the first of its kind in the county – is to help manage the behavioral health challenges being faced in the community. One in four American adults live with a mental health condition, yet few seek the help they need due to stigma.

This program is funded jointly by the County of San Luis Obispo through Medi-Cal revenue and both Sierra Vista and Twin Cities. It is a unique private/public partnership that highlights the benefits of leveraging both financial and clinical assets for our community. The program demonstrates, by all organizations involved, a commitment to patient care and the specific needs of the mental health population.


About Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center

As the largest hospital in San Luis Obispo County, Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center strives to produce optimal outcomes and exceptional patient experiences to the community it serves. With 164 beds, Sierra Vista puts advanced technology into the hands of experienced medical specialists to deliver quality healthcare. High-level services include neurosurgery, orthopedics, obstetrics, perinatology (high-risk pregnancy), neonatology (high-risk newborn care), pediatrics, cancer care and trauma. Sierra Vista houses the largest Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit between Santa Barbara and Salinas, the only dedicated pediatric unit in San Luis Obispo County and serves as the county’s designated trauma center. Sierra Vista is fully accredited by The Joint Commission and has been serving the community since 1959. To learn more about Sierra Vista, please visit www.sierravistaregional.com.

About Twin Cities Community Hospital

Twin Cities Community Hospital, a 122-bed acute care hospital, has been caring for the communities of Northern San Luis Obispo County since 1977. With a medical staff of more than 200 physicians and 400 caregivers and support staff, the hospital specializes in emergency care, obstetrics, orthopedics and a broad array of medical, surgical and outpatient services. Twin Cities Community Hospital earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® with distinction for its knee replacement program. In addition, the hospital is recognized as a Blue Distinction Center+ for Knee and Hip Replacement Surgery. Baby-Friendly USA designated Twin Cities Community Hospital as an internationally recognized Baby-Friendly birth facility. The hospital also reports one of the lowest Cesarean section rates in the State of California. To learn more about Twin Cities, please visit www.twincitieshospital.com.

About the County of San Luis Obispo Behavioral Health Department

Behavioral Health works in collaboration with the community to provide services necessary to improve and maintain the health and safety of individuals and families affected by mental illness and/or substance abuse. Serving as the Medi-Cal provider under contract with the State Department of Health Care Services, the department provides a range of treatment services to over 6,000 individuals annually. Behavioral Health also provides, through direct County operated services as well as a number of contracted providers and agencies, a broad continuum of care from community education to prevention and early intervention, through outpatient, residential, and inpatient treatment.

About Sierra Wellness Mental Wellness Group

Sierra Mental Wellness Group has established clinical offices in Roseville, Auburn and Tahoe City. Through these clinics, the agency provides mental health counseling to children, adolescents and adults in individual, group, family, and couple modalities. Our collaborative efforts permit us to provide crisis response services in Placer, Colusa, Nevada and San Luis Obispo Counties.