LEXINGTON, Ky. — UK HealthCare's Emergency Psychiatric Assessment, Treatment and Health program has been recognized with a top national operational honor, underscoring the impact of the region's innovative approach to mental health crises.

America's Essential Hospitals presented UK HealthCare with the 2026 Gage Award for operational excellence on June 11 at VITAL2026 in Minneapolis. The award recognizes programs that transform operations to improve efficiency, workforce engagement and service delivery.

EmPATH, which opened July 30, 2024, on the campus of Eastern State Hospital, is the first psychiatric emergency observation unit of its kind in Kentucky. The 24/7 facility provides treatment for adults experiencing behavioral health crises, including mental illness and substance use disorders, without requiring appointments.

The program's results have been striking. In its first year, inpatient psychiatric admissions declined by 63.5%, 30-day readmissions to the state psychiatric hospital decreased by 13%, and emergency department boarding time dropped by 92.1%, according to the award announcement.

"We are honored to receive this award," said Lindsey Jasinski, Ph.D., chief administrative officer of Eastern State Hospital. "The most important thing we do every day is provide hope. Many people come to us on their worst day, and we strive to start the healing process through connection."

The facility operates with an open-floor design rather than individual treatment rooms, with comfortable seating where patients can interact with psychiatrists, nurses, social workers and peer support specialists. Patients may remain in the unit for up to 23 hours while providers develop individualized care plans.

The Gage Awards, named after America's Essential Hospitals founder Larry Gage, honor successful member hospital programs that improve patient care and community health. The association represents more than 400 hospitals nationwide dedicated to providing high-quality care for all patients, including those facing social and financial barriers.

"Our essential hospitals continuously innovate to build health care for the future and meet the needs of their communities," said Jennifer DeCubellis, M.A., president and CEO of America's Essential Hospitals. "The Gage Awards help us spread what works so all communities benefit."