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Possible Site for Mental Health Facility

Williamstown, Vermont - August 3, 2006

Mental Health advocates want to turn an Inn in Williamstown into a mental health rehabilitation center for 14 recovering mentally ill patients. It would be called Second Spring.

"It's a beautiful location," says Michael Hartman of Second Spring. "It reinforces pleasant feelings for people."

The 48 acre site would be leased for ten years. The total cost to run it each year-- about $3 million. It's part of a plan to change how the mentally ill are cared for. The state wants to close the aging state hospital in Waterbury and open a main treatment facility in Burlington at Fletcher Allen Health Care-- then have two programs at smaller hospitals. The final cornerstone-- community facilities for patients needing only moderate care.

Already Vergennes and Greensboro shot down similar plans. But it's gotten a different reception in Williamstown. At a public meeting-- only a handful of people showed up-- and none were in direct opposition to the Williamstown plan.

"My position on this is I support the program," said Zachary Hughes at the meeting.

Planners say the key to success this time, was being up front with residents and providing complete information before rumors and fear started to spread.

"So it seemed that we were just able to have people hear what we were saying first and then it just seemed to click," explains Hartman.

There are still some details to be worked out, but if granted state approval, Second Spring could open by November.

"These clients do need care and support and I think every town has a certain responsibility," says Rep. Phil Winters, R-Williamstown.

Mental Health advocates are hoping what happened in Williamstown will bode well for citing the second residential facility. There is no specific town yet, but the state has said all along they will not force this on any community.

Kristin Carlson - Channel 3 News