Paso Robles teen dies in SLO County mental health facility

A Paso Robles teen died while being treated at the San Luis Obispo County Crisis Stabilization Unit in May, the Sheriff’s Office confirmed to The Tribune this week.

Elina Branco, 19, was being treated at the unit on May 16, where she died around 9 a.m. that day, according to Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Tony Cipolla.

Cipolla told The Tribune the cause and circumstances that led to her death were still being investigated.

The unit is managed by San Luis Obispo County Public Health Agency.

The agency did not respond to specific questions regarding the incident, including why the public wasn’t notified of the death at the time.

Tom Cuddy, spokesperson for the public health agency, confirmed the death in an email, saying the agency was “deeply saddened.”

“Our thoughts and condolences are with the individual’s loved ones during this difficult time,” Cuddy said. “No priority is more important to us than the safety and well-being of our clients and staff.”

The agency was cooperating with authorities to conduct a “thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragic event,” he said.

The agency will not provide further details at this time, Cuddy said.

What is the Crisis Stabilization Unit?

According to the public health agency, the Crisis Stabilization Unit is a 24-hour voluntary short-term care facility that provides immediate behavioral health support and treatment services.

Its services include deescalation of distress, prevention or treatment of a behavioral health crisis, reduction of acute mental health symptoms, medication support and peer support.

The unit is meant for individuals in acute distress who require urgent care beyond what an outpatient clinic service can provide but are not a danger to themselves or others — which is the criteria to be placed in an involuntary 72-hour hold.

It has four beds, which are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.