Overcoming Obstacles: The Ongoing Struggle of Emergency Mental Health Transport in UP Residents

Robin Spindlow leads the Tahqua Journey Drop-in Center in Newberry, providing crucial support for those facing mental health challenges. (Photo courtesy of Robin Spindlow)

Last year was tough for Robin Spindlow, the director of the Tahqua Journey Drop-in Center in Newberry. One night, she received a call from someone threatening to take their own life. Despite Robin’s efforts to help, the person refused assistance. In urgent need, Robin contacted the police, who were able to take the individual to the hospital for protection and eventually to a psychiatric facility.

Robin says this quick response was rare. She has seen clients wait as long as three days for transport to a psychiatric facility, often requiring heavy sedation. In rural Michigan, the situation is challenging. There aren’t enough psychiatric beds available. Sometimes, the closest bed is hours away, either in Wisconsin or in southern Michigan.

Local sheriffs handle these transport situations frequently, sometimes taking officers off other duties for hours. The demand for mental health transport is a significant strain on law enforcement in the Upper Peninsula, despite attempts to fix these issues through legislation.

Cynthia, a client of Robin’s, expressed her fear of waiting in hospitals. Robin notes that people often feel isolated and scared in these situations, with shame associated with mental health struggles adding to the burden. “There’s a strong feeling of despair,” she shares.

In Michigan, laws allow judges to order the transport of individuals experiencing mental health emergencies. This can be a lengthy process, and officers often remain with the individual until they are evaluated. This system can leave law enforcement stretched thin, especially in rural areas.

In 2022, new legislation aimed to improve the situation by allowing private security companies to carry out these transports, creating a mental health transportation fund. However, no funds have been put into action yet, and many sheriffs are unaware of any private services in their areas.

Alger County Sheriff Todd Brock highlighted the impact of these transport orders on his team, leaving them short-staffed for up to eight hours at a time. Sheriff Jorje Cruz from Gogebic County also noted that his department is busy, particularly during winter, handling around five to seven transport orders each month.

To find solutions, organizations like the Michigan Health and Hospital Association are collaborating with state health departments to create dedicated transportation services for mental health emergencies. They believe people should not have to rely on police for these needs.

At Tahqua Journey, Robin is dedicated to preventing crises before they happen. Her center offers free rides for residents in need, ensuring they can access support when they need it. She understands that many in the community fear judgment or rejection when seeking help.

The landscape of mental health care is challenging, especially in rural areas. Yet, with initiatives underway and the efforts of dedicated individuals like Robin, there’s hope for improving access and support for those who need it most.