The patient arrived at the MPH Emergency Department from a local nursing facility after being there less than an hour due to severe agitation and unsafe behaviors. His admitting diagnosis was “Agitation – Needs Placement.” Over the previous two years, he had been in more than 20 facilities—including group homes, psychiatric hospitals, and skilled nursing facilities—none of which were able to care for him long-term.

His history included severe autism with behavioral disturbances, traumatic brain injury, multiple psychiatric diagnoses, and chronic medical conditions. He was non-ambulatory and had difficulty expressing himself.

When he first arrived, he presented with significant behavioral challenges, requiring multiple Code Greys. However, what stood out immediately was not just his behavior—but the deep sadness behind it. It was clear he had experienced a life marked by instability, and he seemed starved for connection, consistency, and kindness.
From the very beginning, our team chose to see beyond the diagnosis and behavior. They treated him like family.

Through a true team-based approach, staff took the time to learn who he was—his preferences, what brought him comfort, how he communicated, and how best to support him. Our Unit Secretaries and PCTs spent hours engaging him with books, papers, and art supplies. He began spending most of his day at the nurse’s station, surrounded by a team that included him rather than isolated him.

Over time, something remarkable happened. He began to trust. His outbursts decreased, then disappeared. His smile became more frequent. He greeted staff with fist bumps. His communication improved. He was no longer just a patient passing through another facility—he was part of our unit.

As his third week approached, so did his birthday. One of our PCTs, Tiara, suggested we celebrate him. Without hesitation, the team came together to make it happen.
They decorated his room, gathered thoughtful gifts—clothes, shoes, art supplies, binders, and personal items—and ordered his favorite meal: pizza. A birthday cake was shared, pictures were taken (within HIPAA guidelines), and those memories were printed and placed on his binders. A nurse’s son even gave him a haircut—on his terms, beard included.

For perhaps the first time in a long time, he was celebrated. But the impact didn’t stop there. Our Complex Case Social Worker, Trish Smith, worked tirelessly to uncover his history and locate family. After exhausting traditional avenues, she went above and beyond—searching databases, property records, and ultimately requesting a welfare check through the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office. Because she refused to give up, his father was found.

Within hours, his father and uncle arrived for an emotional reunion. His father shared that his son had been missing for two years, and after no leads, he had lost hope. This moment restored not only a connection, but a family.

The patient was later placed in a facility better equipped to meet his needs, and his father resumed an active role in his life. This team did more than provide care. They restored dignity. They built trust. They created belonging. They reminded a human being that he matters. The compassion, patience, teamwork, and relentless commitment demonstrated by the Witt 7 team and Case Management exemplify everything the DAISY Award stands for. Their impact extended far beyond clinical care—they changed the trajectory of a life.