Rusk State Hospital Addresses Patients Leaving Campus

RUSK — As of September 10, Rusk State Hospital had 23 unauthorized releases this year. According to KETK, that means 23 psychiatric patients had left the premises without permission. That’s an increase of six unauthorized releases from the year before. State health officials say patients usually return on their own, or are returned, within an hour and a half after they leave. But due to this year’s increase, the state is reviewing its policies and procedures to minimize the chance of this happening in the future. Officials want to remind East Texans these people are psychiatric patients, not criminals. If you’re afraid or see somebody who appears suspicious, just call police.