GATES, N.Y. — ​The Gates Police Department has decided that, for the time being, it will suspend sending mental health calls to Strong Memorial Hospital until changes are implemented.

Chief James Vanbrederode said his department made the decision Friday. He said there was an incident on Columbus Day where an individual was taken to Strong under a mental health arrest and released without the police being notified. 

Chief Vanbrederode said on October 12, police were notified that a 20-year-old was smashing windows and appeared to be on drugs. When police arrived, the person ignored commands and headed toward a set of train tracks. Police eventually arrested him and took him to Strong. Police told the hospital to notify them when he was released. According to Gates Police, that didn’t happen. Police say around 7 p.m. that same day, the person went back home and was banging his head on the window. Police responded again, arresting the individual. One officer suffered injuries as a result of the second arrest. 

"Without getting into any of the HIPPA stuff, I don't see where that would be a problem to put in some safe plan in place. And that's what we don't have and that's what we're looking for," said Vanbrederode. 

Police say, going forward, all their mental health arrest calls will be transferred to Rochester Regional Health. Chief Vanbrederode said he wants a comprehensive standardized discharge protocol from Strong. 

The University of Rochester Medical Center and Rochester Regional Health are responding to the Gates Police Department's decision to suspend sending mental hygiene arrests for the time being to Strong Memorial Hospital.

In a joint statement, URMC and Rochester Regional Health said:

"Leaders from URMC and the Monroe County Office of Mental Health met with Chief VanBrederode last Friday to discuss his concerns. It is challenging for all of us that people suffering substance abuse disorders and mental health challenges are often able to refuse care that could help them. However, all hospitals and EDs in New York must follow the state’s mental hygiene law and criteria for inpatient psychiatric admissions, which prevent facilities from keeping patients involuntarily unless certain medical criteria are met.  

We all want to improve the way our community cares for people suffering from mental health and substance abuse issues, which is why the County has formed a task force to improve the way law enforcement and health providers can work together to support people in crisis. These are community challenges that require community solutions, and it is not accurate to suggest that taking patients to one hospital over another will result in better outcomes for the families we all serve."