The importance of staying close to home

I can’t think of a single person who wants to travel far from home when they’re sick. And when the sickness is depression or another mental health condition the energy to travel can be even more elusive, especially in traffic around here.

That’s in part why Texas Health Springwood Hospital decided to open a facility in Azle. In the past two years the number of Azle residents seeking treatment at Texas Health Springwood Hospital in Bedford has increased by 40 percent. As of this week though, those patients can now stay near home for outpatient care for psychiatric and chemical dependency treatment. This could easily save patients more than two hours of drive time each day.

It’s not just the individual needing help that the close proximity of treatment helps. Family members and friends are a crucial piece of the support system to help an individual recover. Many times family and friends are juggling work and home responsibilities while helping to care for their sick loved one. Commuting for treatment can place an even greater burden on those who are already struggling under the weight of the situation, so having a treatment center close to home helps them as well.

“It is crucial that individuals be able to stay near their loved ones when undergoing intensive treatment,” said Ramona Osburn, director of Texas Health Springwood Hospital. “We see so many patients from Azle and the surrounding communities it was a natural fit to open the center along with the new education center at Texas Health Azle.”

In the past few years, Texas Health Springwood has opened similar sites in Allen, Arlington, Southlake, and Southwest Fort Worth.

Patients may be referred from a physician, therapist, or psychiatrist. Patients or family members also may call 817-355-7771 to schedule a free assessment to determine if treatment is needed.

Jennifer Erickson
Sr. Public Relations Specialist
Texas Health HEB