A key lawmaker says she thinks the future of Vermont’s mental health system can be resolved within a month.
Rep. Ann Pugh is chair of the House Human Services Committee, and told fellow Democrats at a caucus Tuesday that she believes lawmakers can reach a consensus on how to replace the Vermont State Hospital in Waterbury that quickly.
The antiquated hospital was forced to close on an emergency basis when it was flooded by Tropical Storm Irene in late August.
Gov. Peter Shumlin has proposed a new secure, acute-care facility in Berlin, expanded psychiatric facilities in Brattleboro and Rutland and additional community placements for those deemed eligible.