At the end of a busy day, Taegan received a distressing call from a 20-year-old patient who was experiencing suicidal thoughts after learning he had tested positive for an STI. The young man was devastated and expressed that he could see a nearby bridge from his home and was considering jumping, believing it was the only way to escape his diagnosis. While Taegan remained on the phone with him, another nurse contacted the Detroit Police Department (DPD) in an effort to ensure the patient’s safety.

Taegan stayed on the line with the patient for nearly two hours, providing reassurance and compassion. When DPD had not arrived after an hour, the other nurse reached out to the patient’s father, who was unable to assist. Demonstrating exceptional empathy and quick thinking, Taegan arranged for a Lyft to safely transport the patient to our facility. She assured him she would be here waiting upon his arrival. Around 8:30 p.m., the patient arrived and expressed deep gratitude to Taegan for her kindness and for staying with him throughout the crisis. He shared that it was because of her compassion and willingness to listen that he was able to seek help and begin to cope with his situation.