Concerns Escalate in Lancaster County After Series of Patient Escapes from Behavioral Health Facility

Concerns Rise as Patients Escape from Local Behavioral Health Facility

Residents of Lancaster County are feeling uneasy after a string of incidents at the Rebound Behavioral Health facility. Between August 2023 and April 2024, there have been five reported escapes by patients from the facility. This news has prompted concern among community members, especially those living nearby, as many of the escaping patients were admitted under involuntary commitment orders and some had records of violent behavior.

The Community Reacts

Among the concerned neighbors are Risa and Mark Lail, who have voiced their frustrations about the lack of communication from the facility. The Lails have been living next to Rebound Behavioral Health for years, and they assert that they have repeatedly urged the facility to improve not only their communication on such serious matters but also to enhance their security measures.

“It feels like every time something happens, we’re left in the dark,” said Risa Lail. “We just want to feel safe in our own neighborhood. It’s troubling to think that someone who has a violent past could escape and potentially put others at risk.”

Security Measures Under Scrutiny

One of the main concerns raised by the Lails and other residents is a broken gate that leads to the facility. Despite the visible need for better safety infrastructure, a spokesperson from Rebound Behavioral Health did not address this particular issue in their response. Instead, they stated that they continually evaluate their security practices to ensure the wellbeing of their patients.

“We are committed to providing a safe environment for both our patients and the surrounding community,” the spokesperson commented, leaving many questions unanswered regarding the effectiveness of existing safety measures.

Neighborhood Concerns

For many Lancaster residents, the idea of patients with violent pasts potentially roaming the streets raises significant alarm. Temporary solutions, like making community members aware of escapes, have been suggested, but progress has been slow.

Local resident, John Peterson, expressed his discomfort regarding the situation, stating, “You never know when an incident might happen. It’s hard to relax when you have to pay attention to safety alerts.”

Understanding Involuntary Commitments

Involuntary commitments are serious matters. Patients brought in under such orders are often facing severe mental health challenges and may be a danger to themselves or others. This situation is why facilities like Rebound Behavioral Health exist—to provide necessary treatment and care. However, when patients escape, it poses a complex dilemma for the surrounding community and the facility itself.

Looking Toward Solutions

As community members continue to rally for better communication and improved safety measures, they hope that both the facility and local law enforcement will work collaboratively to address these concerns. Mark Lail proposed the idea of community meetings with facility representatives to foster a better understanding and establish a stronger relationship.

“If we could have open dialogues about these issues, it might ease some of our fears,” he mentioned. “After all, we all want a safe environment for our families and friends.”

Conclusion

As Lancaster County grapples with the implications of these escapes, questions linger about how to best ensure the safety of both the patients within the facility and the community at large. Residents are calling for action, hoping that their voices will be heard in efforts to create a safer neighborhood for everyone.