Providence Health and Services is addressing two issues that regularly surface in its emergency departments – the growing number of homeless and those in need of behavioral health services.

The healthcare system recently funded a partnership with Tarzana Treatment Centers to place advocates in the emergency departments at Providence Tarzana Medical Center, Providence Holy Cross in Missions Hills and Providence Saint Joseph in Burbank.

Since its inception in December 2018, 11 patients have already been referred to the treatment center, according to officials.

“Providence Tarzana and our sister hospitals here in the Valley are committed to caring for the poor and vulnerable, and because of our long-term relationship with Tarzana Treatment Centers we know this new partnership is a significant step forward,” said Dale Surowitz, Providence Tarzana’s chief executive. “I’d especially like to thank Councilman Blumenfield and his staff for their support. These very complex issues can only be solved through teamwork and cooperation.”

The initiative was developed by Surowitz after Los Angeles Councilman Bob Blumenfield asked hospital leaders to determine how he and his team could help provide additional resources for the community’s homeless population.

“I’m thrilled about this innovative partnership,” Blumenfield said. “If we can offer transitional housing and treatment to mentally ill and drug addicted people — those who are often most resistant to services — when they hit rock bottom and are in the ER, our chances of success are much greater.”

The hospital advocates link patients to temporary housing, addiction treatment and other resources. To qualify for care at the treatment center, patients would be required to agree to participate in drug treatment. If they decline, they would be referred to other services, according to officials.

The program was made possible by a $600,000 grant from Well Being Trust, an independent not-for-profit organization founded by the Providence St. Joseph Health to address mental health issues and to help erase the stigma of mental illness and substance misuse, according to officials.

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