Altru sees steady increase of behavioral health admissions since pandemic

GRAND FORKS – The number of behavioral health inpatient admissions at Grand Forks-based Altru Health System increased last year to 651 admissions, compared to 583 in 2020.

Nursing director Janice Hamscher said Altru is on track to see more than 700 behavioral health admissions this year.

At Altru’s outpatient behavioral health clinic, admissions have also increased. Hamscher said there has been a 19% increase in visits this year, with some providers booking appointments three to 12 months in advance.

The increase in inpatient and outpatient admissions at Altru has increased the need for access to mental health care in the community.

“We understand that there is an urgent need for mental health care and we are constantly evaluating ways to improve access,” Hamscher said. “We have an enduring commitment to take care of our family, friends and neighbors in our communities.”

In addition to the COVID-19 pandemic taking a toll on mental health, Hamscher said other factors are also playing a role, leading to an increased need for behavioral health services. Social pressures create further stress, as well as financial pressures such as rising inflation and food insecurity.

Chief Medical Officer Josh Deere said the Grand Forks region is facing shortages, just like the rest of the nation.

“Like the rest of the nation, our region is experiencing shortages in key areas, driving the need for behavioral health care,” Deere said. “Our Altru team is leading efforts to expand care in northeastern North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota by exploring our options with Universal Health Services. As we evaluate a potential partnership with UHS, our focus is to increase high-quality behavioral health care offerings in our region.”

Altru announced last month that it plans to work with UHS

at a new outpatient center in Grand Forks, as the two groups have signed a letter of intent for the project. Jeff Herman, Group CEO, Behavioral Health, UHS, and Todd Forkel, CEO of Altru, shared their excitement about the collaboration on the announcement and how it will address the demand for better access to high-quality mental health care in the region. .

Altru currently provides outpatient psychiatry services, an outpatient treatment program, and inpatient acute care. Altru’s emergency department is equipped to care for anyone in an immediate acute situation when someone is a threat to themselves.

With the increase in mental health needs, Deere said there is more discussion about mental health in society.

“As people become more open about this topic, it can be encouraging for some people to get help that they might not otherwise get,” Deere said. “Both locally and nationally, there are many prominent mental health advocates calling for more mental health services. As a health system dedicated to caring for each other, we are purposeful in our commitment to expanding this type of care.”