Laredo clinic trains all staff to spot patients in crisis

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - A front-desk clerk could be the first person to spot a patient in crisis. Gateway Community Health Center is training every employee to recognize the warning signs.

That includes front-desk clerks and administrative workers, not just doctors and nurses. Officials say those employees are often the first to notice someone struggling.

“We are trying to get everybody from nurses to physicians and clerks in a position where they would handle situations and then possibly refer out to the counseling services,” said Gabriel Martinez, Gateway Community Health Center.

The clinic plans monthly training sessions so every staff member knows how to respond.

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