May 15, 2007
At its April meeting, YKHCs Full Board of Directors passed a resolution approving the concept of a "transfer station" within the State of Alaska's Yukon Kuskokwim Correction Center (YKCC).
A "transfer station" is a safe and secure setting for protective custody (or Title 47) individuals requiring non-criminal involuntary detainmentusually, inebriates unable to care for themselves.
Presently, there are times when the YKHC Emergency Room is overwhelmed by a large influx of intoxicated individuals who require immediate, intense interaction by ER staff for medical screening. This can result in families and patients sometimes spending many hours waiting for medical attention.
The Alaska Department of Corrections has a transfer station within the jail facility in Anchorage, a one-stop operation providing medical attention to protective custody individuals. Having a receiving and screening process within the correctional facility significantly reduces the impact on the public safety personnel who transport protective custodies as well as on area hospitals.
Alaska's Department of Corrections Commissioner Joe Schmidt supports having this type of intervention and process in our community. The need is demonstrated and well-documented.
Recently, the Commissioner and YKHC President/CEO Gene Peltola met to find solutions to the impact of inebriates on the Emergency Room, YKCC, the City of Bethel Police Department and other agencies.
Three years ago, the Alaska Legislature and Senator Lyman Hoffman created a unique construction funding mechanism under Senate Bill 65 that allows municipalities to use municipal bonds to expand state correctional facilities within their communities for a lease-back to the Department of Corrections.
Today, the City of Bethel is working with the State of Alaska on expanding the YKCC facility by 120 beds, providing a significant boost to the region's economic development and adding at least 35 well-paying jobs.
The YKHC Board directed President/CEO Gene Peltola to work with the City of Bethel, Alaska Department of Corrections Commissioner Joe Schmidt, Senator Lyman Hoffman, Representative Mary Nelson, the Alaska Mental Health Authority and others to discuss, plan and assist in the realization of a "transfer station" within an expanded YKCC facility.