The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration is investigating the dumping of out-of-county patients at Lakeland homeless shelters, a state official told LkldNow Tuesday afternoon.
News reports trigger investigation: The issue came to light in February and was reported on by several news outlets. A source close to the investigation said someone at the agency read LkldNow’s story and filed a complaint, which triggered the investigation.
In March, Lakeland Police released four videos to LkldNow, showing the confusion and frustration these patients feel after being “dumped” at Talbot House Ministries, a homeless shelter that might not have a bed for them and can’t handle most medical or mental health needs they might have.
Patients from out-of-county: Some of the people brought to Lakeland told officers, Talbot House officials and LkldNow that they were driven at least an hour from Dade City, Brookesville, Wesley Chapel and Tampa. Many are physically or mentally ill and felt traumatized by having been discharged or enticed to leave a hospital, rehabilitation center or mental health facility, with no safety net or plan.
“Now we’re investigating the hospitals to find out if they’re the ones doing it because it’s considered dumping,” the AHCA source told LkldNow. They did not have the authority to speak publicly about the issue. “Somebody in AHCA took this very, very seriously for it to be investigated.”
The AHCA source said what is happening is against the law.
“We don’t want this happening,” the source said. “They’re supposed to take care of the patients instead of kicking them out of the hospital and behavioral health facilities.”
The source said it will take one to five business days to investigate the matter, and the report could take up to 45 more days to complete, “depending on how much information we gather.”
At a glance:
- Some medical facilities outside of Polk County are sending newly discharged patients who are homeless to Talbot House.
- The practice is adding to the number of homeless people in Lakeland.
- Some patients are being transported here against their will and with no plan for their care.
- Local shelters are overwhelmed and working with Lakeland Police to try to stop the influx.
LPD chief applauds investigation: Lakeland Police Chief Sam Taylor said Tuesday he was glad to hear that state officials are looking into the matter.
“I think it’s appropriate that they look into it,” Lakeland Police Chief Sam Taylor said Tuesday afternoon. “The individuals that are being dropped off here in Lakeland against their wishes deserve better than what they’ve been given. So I think it’s appropriate … I would certainly look forward to what they have to say about it.”
Talbot House Executive Director Maria Cruz said she spoke with the investigator Tuesday.
“I will be verifying our records and will be collaborating with the investigation,” Cruz said.
A sharp increase: Cruz said in 2023, they had a total of 25 drop-offs for the entire year. This year, there have already been 63, an average of nine per month.
Talbot House has served people who are homeless since 1979, operating on donations and some federal and state programs.
On average, they shelter 160 overnight guests daily. About 70 are part of the organization’s residency program — staying anywhere from six to 24 months. Those short-term residents work with case managers to try to mend their lives and are welcome to stay inside the center during the day. The other 90 people stay in shared quarters on a first-come, first-served basis and must leave each morning.
However, there is no skilled nursing available for residents with medical needs.
Non-stop problem: Cruz said Tuesday the the situation has not improved, despite a public spotlight on — and outrage about — the issue.
“This is non-stop,” Cruz said. “When I was heading out today, a young woman was dropped off from a mental health facility. I heard when she said to the case manager, ‘I don’t even know where I’m at.’”
Cruz said the woman today needed a detox facility. Talbot House officials called local providers, but they did not have any beds available. They arranged for her to go to a facility in Sebring on Wednesday and will provide shelter for her tonight and transportation Wednesday.
Cruz said navigating the treatment programs is a complicated maze and most patients can’t do it on their own.
“The amount of intensive case management needed to coordinate their treatment and after-care is unparalleled,” Cruz said.
Many of those dropped off are able to use Talbot House’s emergency shelter.
“We truly need recuperation centers for the homeless or more emergency shelters clinically staffed,” Cruz said. “The homeless population is growing rapidly and no one can ignore that they also have specific needs. The majority of our folks are indigent and do not have insurance.”
Next steps: ACHA officials said the results of the investigation will be sent to LkldNow once it is completed.
A list Cruz compiled shows Springbrook Behavioral Hospital has allegedly dropped off seven patients this year including several below. Springbrook Behavioral Hospital has not responded to requests for comment.
Local hospitals are also bringing discharged patients to Talbot House. Cruz said the patients are asked where they want to go and they often respond “Talbot House.”
A look at some drop-offs from earlier this year:
- On Jan. 10 at about 1 p.m., a domestic violence victim was transported by Springbrook Behavioral Hospital — a mental health facility in Brooksville — to Talbot House.
- Bruce, 60, was dropped off by an Uber driver at about 4 p.m. that same day. The driver said he picked up Bruce from North Tampa Behavioral Health Hospital on State Road 56 in Wesley Chapel.
- David, 64, was sitting in the Talbot House lobby on Jan 29 at about 1:30 p.m., sent over from a hospital in Dade City, which was not identified in the LPD body camera video.
- “Anna,” 38, said officials with Springbrook Behavioral Hospital told her they had arranged everything with Talbot House. She was dropped off and the driver left her outside, not knowing where to go.
- Elianah was dropped off at Talbot House on Feb. 8 at about 4:30 p.m. by Springbrook Behavioral Hospital, where she had been Baker Acted for two weeks. She arrived in pajamas, without any identification or belongings. Prior to her Baker Act, she had been homeless.
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So sad we can dump billions into eastern Europe but cannot seem to find a penny for our own destitute.