In Minnesota, children of color with autism and mental health issues are increasingly experiencing ‘boarding’ in emergency rooms, a situation where they are held in hospitals due to the lack of appropriate care facilities. This issue highlights significant disparities in the healthcare system, affecting vulnerable populations disproportionately. The American Academy of Pediatrics has issued a policy statement recommending a comprehensive 40-step action plan to address this crisis.
The plan calls for collaboration among hospitals, emergency responders, schools, and crisis-response teams to develop alternative care solutions for these children. Additionally, the Minnesota coalition of hospitals is advocating for reforms in the negotiation process between counties and group homes, aiming to facilitate the placement of children with complex care needs in more suitable, non-hospital settings. This situation underscores the urgent need for systemic changes to ensure equitable access to mental health care for all children, particularly those from marginalized communities.
See: “Why are kids of color in Minnesota spending days, weeks, and months in hospital emergency rooms that can’t treat their problems?” by Sheila Mulrooney Eldred on the Sahan Journal website (February 5, 2024)
