(cross-posted from Beyond VSH blog, here)

Dear Governor Jim Douglas, State of Vermont:

An Open Letter re: Reverse VSH Canteen Closure Decision

Sent to: Secretary Hofmann, Vermont Agency of Human Service (VT AHS); and,

Commissioner Michael Hartman, Vermont Department of Mental Health (VT DMH)

cc: State Representative Michael Obuchowski, Chair, Joint Fiscal Committee;

State Senator Ann Cummings, Vice Chair, Joint Fiscal Committee

While the Vermont State Hospital (VSH) remains open, I have come down on the side of opposing the closure of the VSH canteen out of respect for each and every one of those currently as well as formerly incarcerated at VSH who it is reported have indicated the canteen is needed for the time being as their one small bright light at the end of the tunnel, even if only a glimmer of hope is provided by such.

That said, I am also among those who have long been working to have VSH closed down as well as at the same time working to have put into place a very different system of providing for the actual needs of those either currently or previously incarcerated there as well as those who could be in the future and, will not shy away from continuing to do so at all.

These needs include real, safe, decent and affordable housing, income, training, employment, transportation and other such supports and services that allow one to live independently where and how they may choose to reside.

This of course runs contrary to what has basically been the sole focus of the commissioner and his supporters to chiefly replace the role of VSH and merely move what is done there in the form of institutionalization in one fashion or another to other places elsewhere, while mostly providing poor lip service to providing truly community-based opportunities and real inclusion for people whom too many within our society would rather keep out of sight out of mind, unless the plan is to allow them to rot on the street or in jails and prisons, etc., which already happens often enough already.

The fact is that dumping people without their being offered basic housing as well as independent living opportunities and supports or services they can freely choose from when they are without such is no solution either. Not everyone has the means to provide for and support themselves after being released from such incarceration, particularly right away or so easily.

The current administration in office and the commissioner of mental health along with their supporters have mixed up priorities and, as such, have been headed in the wrong direction for quite some time.

Even though closing VSH and, not merely moving its functions elsewhere, is highly desirable and sorely needed in order to move ahead with what will be required, the closure of the canteen while the current facility remains open is not, certainly not by those who are incarcerated there, nor by those of us who stand in solidarity with them either.

Morgan W. Brown

Montpelier