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(cross-posted from Vermont Watch, here)

Word is it appears there could be a meeting between Governor Peter Shumlin and certain members of his administration concerning the Vermont State Hospital (VSH) to be held tomorrow morning (Thursday, July 14, 2011).

The subject of the meeting is said to include considering the exploration of potential alternatives to building a new state hospital facility, which it is reported a member of the administration has taken the initiative of exploring behind the scenes of late, including speaking with various members of the mental health community as well as advocates and the like within the last several weeks or so.

Last week Agency of Human Services (AHS) Secretary Doug Racine was a guest on Vermont Public Radio’s VT Edition talking about VSH and the administration’s plans to replace it, here.

Also last week, it was reported to this observer about how no matter what results from the meeting or, any process that might come out of it, beds of the new brick and mortar variety were also to be in the mix in a major fashion and, therefore, it was not expected to be much of a major change of course from the current plan being floated and pursued in one form or another by the administration.

That said, although it is yet uncertain what the outcome could be due to the fact that most of these discussions are taking place well behind the scenes within the administration up to now, it is also possible things could still be rather fluid as well.

When the matter of such a potential meeting came up last month, it was indicated the meeting would include both AHS Secretary Doug Racine as well as Deputy AHS Secretary Patrick Flood.

While it is pure speculation on my part, since they have also been within the loop as well as due to their recently (re)sifting VSH patient data within the last two weeks or so, it would not surprise this observer if the meeting also included Department of Mental Health (DMH) Commissioner Christine Oliver as well as Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL) Commissioner Susan Wehry.

In addition, since he has also been within the loop of course, more than likely such a meeting would include Agency of Administration (AOA) Secretary Jeb Spaulding, not too mention other members of the administration as well of course, including Deputy DMH Commissioner and, now also interim Executive Director of VSH, Rebecca Heintz.

If the reported meeting does indeed occur and, no matter whomever ends up attending as well as participating, it is completely unknown at this point what if anything meaningful might potentially result from the meeting and whether or not alternatives or, put another way, other options to building a new version of VSH will also be taken under serious consideration by the administration at its highest levels or, if what appears to be their current course and plans will continue to dominate and dictate future mental health policy.

What is rather sad in all this is up to now, the administration seems to be solely focused more on VSH as well as replacing it mostly bed for bed (including with their plan to use Brattleboro Retreat bed space) rather than focusing on the entire mental health system as a whole, which a new facility — even if it includes beds at the Brattleboro Retreat — and what will prove to be a huge cost, will not help and will most likely do great harm, just like the dependence on the current VSH has up to now.

In my opinion, building a brand new version of the same old thing based upon the same old treatment model does nothing to address what is wrong with the entire system, nothing at all, save potentially further bankrupting both it as well as the state, not too mention keeping the mental health system within a vacuum where, among other things and factors, prejudice and discrimination continue to reign.

There is nothing to indicate a new VSH will also include a brand new treatment model, particularly when the new facility will still employ most if not all of the same treatment, including institutionalization in its various forms (no matter how long or short), incarceration, forced treatment and forced drugging.

When she learned about the administration’s meeting taking place tomorrow as well as the discussions occurring behind the scenes, longtime mental health advocate Marty Roberts stated:

I think it is crucial right now for advocates and other interested people to keep the issue of community services in front of the Governor, Sec. Racine and all of the other people involved in making this decision.  I do not think that they have any conception about the value of community services, both in supporting people so that they don’t need hospitalization and as resources and supports when people come out of hospitals.

I am so afraid that community services are going to be cut because the administration does not get it.