October 13, 2026 | By Emilie Jacques
Copper Shores Community Health Foundation is investing in local mental health care by granting more than $46,000 to Baraga County Memorial Hospital for a Safe Room in their Emergency Department.
For those experiencing a mental health crisis, emergency rooms can be loud, busy and overwhelming. This can cause additional distress while they wait for proper care.
The Safe Room will offer a quiet, low-stimulus space within BCMH’s Emergency Department that prioritizes safety for both patients and the staff caring for them. This specialized care aids in de-escalating mental health crises and allows the staff to support patients safely until they are able to move forward with treatment.
“Including a safe room within our facility is going to make a large impact on not only the safety of our staff, but also the safety of the other patients presenting to the ER for help,” said Courtney Darcy, a nurse at BCMH. “We want what's best for our patients and employees, and this safe room is going to create an environment that promotes every aspect of safety.”
This project will create a safer environment that reduces intense stimuli, speeds up transfers to behavioral health facilities, protects healthcare staff and should decrease recurring visits for patients. When patients get the care they need, and deserve, the entire community benefits.
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