Former UAA student held at Providence Hospital against his will. Family is fighting for his release.

By Suhaila Brunelle
news@thenorthernlight.org

 

Family and friends of former UAA Aviation student Bret Bohn say that he is being held against his will and forcibly medicated at Providence Alaska Medical Center, and officials there are planning on transferring him to John Hopkins Medical Research Facility in Baltimore, Maryland against his will.

 

Bohn, a hunting and fishing guide was out on a hunt in late September, early October, when he began having problems sleeping. Upon his return home, Bohn complained to his parents that he had not slept in several days, so they took him to the emergency room at Providence Hospital. There, Bohn was examined and released with a prescription for the drug Prednisone. Scheduled to guide a hunt in Kodiak on October 13th, but still not sleeping, Bohn decided to remain in Anchorage.  

 

Between his release on October 6th and October 20th, Bohn experienced a seizure, and was still not sleeping. He was taken back to the Providence Emergency Room, where he was admitted.  By this time, Bohn had not slept for eleven days, and while in the hospital, experienced three more seizures. Though Bohn was still experiencing complications, he was slated for release on October 23rd. Family and friends went to pick him up that day, and were told that he needed to remain in the hospital’s care.

On December 23rd, Bohn’s Doctor’s informed his parents that they believed he had Paraneophalidis Cut Immune Encephalitis. Several of Bohn’s family members were allowed a short visit on Christmas Day, but currently, all visitations have been denied. Bohn’s family, allege that Providence went to court and stripped them of their Power of Attorney and Guardianship rights without their knowledge. Bohn and his family have repeatedly asked for a transfer to another local hospital for a second opinion, but have been declined by hospital officials.

 

Calls were made to Providence Hospital, but they did not have a patient listed under Bohn’s name. The case is currently in litigation in Anchorage courts. Bohn’s family and friends were present during a hearing on January 6th, as were Attorney’s for Providence Medical Center.

 

Bohn was born and raised in Alaska, and graduated from West High School with honors, and has two degrees from the University of Alaska, Anchorage. Bohn is an Eagle Scout, and earned over 60 merit badges during his scouting career. During high school, Bohn volunteered with the Anchorage Youth Court and has worked as a hockey coach with the Boys and Girls Club. Before being admitted into the hospital, Bohn worked as a hunting and fishing guide. During the Christmas Day visit, Bohn’s father stated that his son said, that he would just like a breath of fresh air and a good night sleep.