The latest word from here in the peninsula is that the Soldotna hospital (Central Peninsula General Hospital) will not be doing anything in the near future (until 2005 or so) about psychiatric beds (unit). At least now they have contracted a transportation service that does not require troopers and handcuffs and shackles to get patients to API in all but the worst situations. 

So what benefit will the smaller API have for us here? Nothing and it will mean people not getting the services they need and then what? The Department of Corrections owns the bodies of prisoners and can give inmates what medications they think are best, even though a psychiatrist has prescribed different ones. 

Any thoughts on these ideas? 

Thanks, Esther Hopkins estlee@ptialaska.net 
March 9, 2000