Dr. Debra Hartswick, MD

I will never forget ten years ago when my dad died and I was going through some of the most intense grief and mental health struggles of my life. I was also at the completion of nursing school when I went to see my PCP Dr Hartswick for help. I had been on an antidepressant and attending therapy, but was continuing to have panic attacks as well as severe insomnia. I went in to ask about a prescription for a benzodiazepine to help get me through an extremely challenging life event, even 5 doses just to help me get through the moments when I really needed mental rest. I will never forget what Dr Hartswick told me. She told me no but only because I was going to soon be a nurse and would have access to controlled substances. She said this made my chances for substance abuse and diversion higher and she could not in good faith write me a script. She failed as my medical provider to provide fair and just care. She would rather let me suffer silently than to help me in a time of great need.