Teen Discharged to Homeless Shelter After Suicide Attempt

A 19-year-old youth, identified as Jeremiah Dixon, was discharged from a Nova Scotia hospital less than 12 hours after being admitted for multiple suicide attempts. He was sent by taxi to a local homeless shelter, a decision that deeply concerned his parents.

Jeremiah, who has fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and borderline personality disorder, has a history of suicidal thoughts. Following an incident on April 13, he was taken to the Halifax Infirmary. His parents assumed he would be admitted for treatment but were later informed he would be discharged.

Despite the parents' pushback and request for time to create a safety plan, hospital staff proceeded with the discharge. Jeremiah was sent to the Salvation Army shelter without identification or his cellphone.

Nova Scotia Health stated that mental health crises do not always require hospitalization, emphasizing that discharge decisions consider the whole person and existing community supports. However, the Dixons maintain no clear plan was in place for their son.

Following a formal complaint and media inquiry, Jeremiah's family received a call from the psychiatric team, who have scheduled him to see a psychiatrist. The family hopes for improved therapies and support for Jeremiah's future.