“The emergency room can be a frightening experience. Time moves slowly. Long waits are common.”
Peer Support Specialist Program at Mercy Hospital
It’s what you would expect to receive from a family member or friend if they were to accompany you to the emergency room for a medical emergency. We offer peer support to individuals who visit the emergency room for a psychiatric crisis – individuals who are often frightened, confused, and very often alone.
We are in the East Wing of the emergency room every evening from 5PM to 11PM.
We can come to you, or you can request peer support from the nurse on duty in the emergency room.
The staff of the Peer Support Program have been there.
They know firsthand the struggles of living with a mental illness. And they are living examples that recovery is possible – they are the evidence of it.
What can I expect from Peer Support?
Peer Supporters understand that going to the emergency department can be a frightening experience. Time moves slowly. Long waits are common. Peer Supporters will make sure that you get a meal or drink if that would be helpful. They make sure that you understand what is happening. They can share their experience with you, or just sit with you. They will help you pass the time, play cards with you, or offer you reading or writing material. They can share resources with you, or skills that they have found useful once you are out of the emergency room.