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Recently, a young woman presented to our emergency department who was struggling with active drug addiction, frequent panic attacks, and self-harming behavior. She was having severe abdominal pain and was in significant distress, curled in a tight ball while sobbing. Kaitlyn Davis, one of our hospital-based care coordinators, evaluated the patient, who reported not feeling safe at home because of frequent yelling and demeaning behavior directed toward her. Our patient had not eaten that day, and after confirming with the provider, Kaitlyn brought her some food and water. She calmed a bit but was still struggling.

Kaitlyn discussed different resources with our patient, and together, they developed a plan for her to get treatment and feel safe. She ultimately entered the Quinault Wellness Center for her substance use disorder (SUD). Kaitlyn followed up with her a month later, and she sounded completely different over the phone. She was calm, and Kaitlyn could “hear her smiling” on the other side of the line, excitedly sharing how she was 20 days sober. Quinault Wellness helped her find housing, trauma-informed SUD treatment, peer support, and so much more. Kaitlyn and our patient discussed her ongoing needs for the community. Kaitlyn recommended some social organizations for her, especially ART Hqx, a free studio in Hoquiam dedicated to the arts.

During the conversation, our patient noted continued severe abdominal pain, especially around her menstrual cycle, sharing how her mother had a similar condition.  Kaitlyn discussed how she could obtain a referral for a gynecologist. Our patient has subsequently returned to the ED for her pain, but overall, she was doing much better.  Despite the pain, she could manage a smile when she saw Kaitlyn bragging about being 25 days sober and how much Quinault Wellness is helping her. In particular, she looked forward to getting her 30-day marble, noting how much better her life was sober. Her face had color, and she appeared relaxed and talked about her goals and hopes for the future. 

Kaitlyn felt tears welling with joy at our patient’s transformation, telling her that she hoped she was incredibly proud of herself. Our patient smiled and said, “Yes, I am!”  Kaitlyn introduced her to SUD Peer Amanda Farrar in case she needed additional support.  The ED provider confirmed she should see a gynecologist about her abdominal pains, which were likely endometriosis. Kaitlyn showed her how to pull up MyChart, and she messaged her provider to ask for the referral; they discussed how she could use Paratransit or We Care to get to the appointment. Kaitlyn will soon be following up with our patient to best ensure she gets the treatment she needs and encourage her ongoing journey of sobriety.