Lt. Gov. Lynn Rogers and state Rep. Mark Samsel visited Osawatomie State Hospital last week hoping to learn more about the mental health facility. By the time they left, they had compiled a full slate of issues that could be tackled during the upcoming legislative session. Rogers and Samsel were given seats of honor on the stage next to a panel of OSH representatives, along with Osawatomie Mayor Mark Govea.
Govea says he’d like to see a growing partnership between the city of Osawatomie and the State Hospital, with the city perhaps one day providing power and other utilities to the campus. All agreed the state hospital needs to be a priority in Topeka. There were several issues discussed including better discharge planning, a substance abuse plan, which the institute does not have.
One issue that got a lot of attention was Osawatomie Police Chief, David Stuteville who addressed concerns about people waiting for a bed to open. Officers may pick up someone who appears to be a threat to themselves or others but hasn’t committed a crime. They are held until a bed opens but that can take days and adds a strain on police departments. He suggested setting aside a certain number of beds for law enforcement.
