BCI Providing Expanded Baker Act Services During Moratorium

AUGUST 4, 2008

Prepared for Public Service Announcement:

Fort Walton Beach – Bridgeway Center, Inc (BCI) has responded to the need of the Okaloosa Community after a Baker Act moratorium was imposed Friday August 1, 2008. The Department of Children and Families Mental Health Program Office brought an immediate halt to all involuntary Baker Act admissions at the Fort Walton Beach Medical Center.

Daniel Cobbs, BCI Chief Executive Officer coordinated late Friday with area hospitals, EMS and law enforcement to formulate a response to this critical need.  Individuals in need of Baker Act screening and placement will be redirected to the Bridgeway Center Inpatient Treatment Services Unit located at 205 Shell Avenue (Map) for the duration of the moratorium.

The Inpatient Treatment Services unit is the designated public receiving facility for Okaloosa County and has been in continuous operation for more than 20 years.  Dr. Chanalarp Holliday, Psychiatrist  and Vice President of Inpatient Psychiatric Services for BCI, assured Mr. Cobbs on Friday that the staff of the BCI Emergency Services Department and the Inpatient Treatment Services Unit are prepared to handle the increased patient load the moratorium will generate.