BELLOWS FALLS — For all the devastation that Tropical Storm Irene caused in our state, the storm can perhaps be thanked for finally forcing us to close the infamous Vermont State Hospital and reconsider the care of Vermonters with mental illness.
The legislature is now faced with a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reform our system of care for this population. After hearing the testimony of more than 200 people - and given the close connection between mental illness and homelessness, another issue at the forefront of local politics in our district - this is a cause that requires our attention.
There has been a spike in homelessness in recent years, and reforming the system of delivery for mental health care presents an opportunity for the state to take a strong stance with regard to this unfortunate trend.
Rather than applying a Band-aid to a broken system, we should be listening to the experts and implementing a system that will provide positive outcomes.
More than anything, we should avoid a political game resulting in a system in which a Vermonter suffering from a psychotic break is forced to endure time in an emergency room that isn't equipped to provide effective psychiatric care.
Governor Shumlin should be applauded for focusing on step-down facilities as a way of allowing Vermont to lead the nation in mental health care. However, when overhauling an entire system of care, a certain amount of flexibility is required to ensure success.
Testimony indicates that the governor's proposal provides too few beds to accommodate both the need and the staffing requirements for a center of excellence.
Many testified that a system that is inadequate in capacity will result in increased risks of homelessness and impacts to corrections, as well as undue pressure on our community hospitals.
The crux of an effective system lies in having an adequate number of in-patient hospital beds; expert testimony before the Human Services Committee - on which I serve - states that will be a 25-bed centralized center of excellence for care.
Such a facility will provide adequate staffing needs and the flexibility to accommodate individuals in manners consistent with best practices.
Governor Shumlin's plan, which certainly contained many worthwhile investments in residential care for less-acute patients and will improve the lives of Vermonters suffering from psychiatric disabilities, provides only for a 16-bed facility.
We have one opportunity to use FEMA dollars to build this system. If we don't use those federal dollars now, any future tweaks would rest solely on the backs of taxpayers. We should be looking to the future and ensuring that all FEMA dollars are appropriately spent to enhance our system.
This is our chance. On a vote of 124 to 3, Republicans, Democrats, and Progressives in the Vermont House of Representatives overwhelmingly came together last week to affirm that we are committed to providing the best care for Vermonters experiencing mental illness.
Let's hope that the Senate and the governor will do the same.