Bridgeway Center Responds to Lifting of Baker Act Moratorium

AUGUST 21, 2008

Prepared for Public Service Announcement:

Fort Walton Beach – District 1 ADM Program Supervisor Paul Rollings, PhD has confirmed with Daniel Cobbs, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bridgeway Center, Inc (BCI) that the moratorium on Baker Act Admissions to the Fort Walton Beach Medical Center had been officially lifted as of 4:00pm this afternoon.

Bridgeway Center continued to provide Baker Act process services since the Baker Act moratorium was imposed Friday August 1, 2008.  BCI’s Emergency Services had remained at the center of the Baker Act process for Okaloosa County for the duration of the moratorium responding to the needs of the community during this challenging period.

The Behavioral Health professionals of Emergency Services provided Baker Act consultation, referral and placement services for area hospitals, medical professionals, law enforcement and members of the community. With oversight, guidance and consultation from Dr. Chanalarp Holliday, MD, BCI Inpatient Services Psychiatrist BCI’s Emergency Services handled 151 Baker Act referrals, which is a 44% increase in typical volume.  

Daniel Cobbs, BCI’s CEO stated that BCI was proud to have been able to commit the necessary resources to ensure that the safety needs of the community and individuals requiring intervention in the Baker Act process were met.  He further commended the dedication, professionalism and teamwork demonstrated by the staff of the Emergency Services Department and the BCI Inpatient Treatment Services Unit during this difficult time.