In Missouri mental health facilities, COVID surged. Staff say policies are patchwork
By Tessa Weinberg
More than 1,500 coronavirus cases have been reported across Missouri’s Department of Mental Health offices and facilities since the start of September a figure that’s nearly five times larger than the previous six months combined.
Those cases represent staff and patients in state-run mental health hospitals and department offices in roughly 20 communities throughout Missouri.
The outbreaks have affected care, causing group therapy sessions to be temporarily suspended at some locations. And at least 11 patients have died, including seven deaths since mid-November.
Four staff have also died.
More than 1,500 coronavirus cases have been reported across Missouriâs Department of Mental Health offices and facilities since the start of September â a figure thatâs nearly five times larger than the previous six months combined.
Those cases represent staff and patients in state-run mental health hospitals and department offices in roughly 20 communities throughout Missouri.
The outbreaks have affected care, causing group therapy sessions to be temporarily suspended at some locations. And at least 11 patients have died, including seven deaths since mid-November.
Four staff have also died.
Three of those patient deaths have been at the Southeast Missouri Mental Health Center in Farmington â one of the stateâs largest facilities and the one with the highest number of cases. Since March, 330 staff and 97 residents have contracted the virus â with over 250 of those cases reported in November alone.