Breaking Down Silos Within a Multihospital System: Lessons From the California Department of State Hospitals' Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The California Department of State Hospitals and Department of Public Health collaborated to develop infection control programs in five inpatient psychiatric hospitals in response to COVID-19. In the retrospective observational study described here, conducted from March 2020 through February 2023, we calculated seven-day rolling averages of COVID-19 cases overlaid with key interventions, communication strategies, and policies implemented to break down silos for a consistent and coordinated response. Our findings may inform others regarding effective strategies and partnerships with public health experts during future outbreaks.

Vaccine breakthrough infections with SARS-CoV-2: Why older adults need booster vaccinations.

Objectives: COVID-19 vaccinations are highly efficacious in preventing severe illness that can lead to hospitalizations and death, but incidents of vaccine breakthrough (VBT) infections persist. We examined VBT infections within a congregate setting to help guide public health practices.

Study Design: This is a retrospective cohort study of VBT infections identified via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing between 2/1/2021-11/1/2021.

The Cal-DSH diversion guidelines.

The Cal-DSH Diversion Guidelines provide 10 general guidelines that jurisdictions should consider when developing diversion programs for individuals with a serious mental illness (SMI) who become involved in the criminal justice system. Screening for SMI in a jail setting is reviewed. In addition, important treatment interventions for SMI and substance use disorders are highlighted with the need to address criminogenic risk factors highlighted.

Developing policies for adult sexual minorities with mental health needs in secured settings.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) people are more likely to be disproportionally placed in a secured setting such jails, prisons, and forensic hospitals. These settings can be traumatizing, hostile, and dangerous-especially for those who are suffering from mental illness. Administrators are encouraged to develop institutional policies that undoubtedly include that LGBT residents should be free of discrimination, victimization, and abuse.

Crisis intervention in a military population: a comparison of inpatient hospitalization and a day treatment program.

We describe transition from an inpatient psychiatric crisis intervention model to an outpatient program for nonpsychotic young adult active duty males presenting in crisis. We reviewed 300 medical records of comparable patients from each program. Demographics, clinical outcomes, and cost analysis are presented.