Full-time Focus

by: norsehorse

Tue May 12, 2009 at 01:38:26 AM EDT

*Updated*

Food for thought:

"The key to change... is to let go of fear."
                               -- Rosanne Cash

A glimpse back, albeit brief, concerning Vermont's mental health system in order to help in envisioning just how much progress or rather lack thereof has been made thus far:

Week of February 23, 2007
Vermont Guardian
[former statewide weekly newspaper; since retired]
Editorial
Full-time focus
[emphasis mine]

[...]

It's time for less talk about titles, and glossy blueprints, and more about ways to provide the right care at the right time, and put the patient, not policy, first.

With that duly noted, listen to Vermont Public Radio (VPR) Vermont Edition at noontime today (Tuesday, May 12, 2009) when the show features the following focus at the top of their show after the news (here):

For the second time in a year, the federal government has denied certification to the Vermont State Hospital.  We look into the continuing issues of patient care and building upkeep at the state-run mental health facility.  The continued failure to meet federal guidelines is costing the state close to$10 million a year in lost federal revenue. We check in on the state's reaction, and on plans for alternatives to the Waterbury hospital.  Our guests include Vermont's Mental Health Commissioner, Michael Hartman, and Republican State Representative and longtime mental health advocate, Anne Donahue.

(episode page includes related informational links at bottom of page)

*Update* Join live blog coverage during the VPR VT Edition broadcast concerning Vermont State Hospital (VSH), here (via Beyond VSH blog; using CoverItLive live blog tool).

*Note*: added link to live blog tool; added change quote & comments; last updated on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at 4:54 AM (ET).