The state is exploring a vacant former private school in Williston as a possible interim solution to the crisis caused by the closure of the state hospital in Waterbury.
Mental Health Commissioner Christine Oliver said Friday that the former Pine Ridge School has emerged as a potential site that could house 20-30 patients while the state decides what to do with the flooded state hospital building in the State Office Complex.
However, she indicated the Mental Health Department has a ways to go before a decision can be made whether the school might work for treatment of Vermonters in acute mental condition, the clientele served by the state hospital.
The state has been stymied in trying to find an alternative after 51 patients were evacuated from the state hospital after Tropical Storm Irene hit, placing tremendous stress on the mental health care system. The state has explored numerous sites that could provide congregate housing and security for the treatment of those in severe crisis without much success, according to Oliver.
“I wouldn’t say it’s the last viable option. It’s the option we are exploring the most at this point,” she said.
Pine Ridge, which is located just off Route 2 halfway between Williston Village and Richmond, closed in 2009. It had around 80 students in 2009 and has extensive facilities that make it viable. Oliver, who has visited the campus, said it has three dorms, a gym and recreation center, and administrative building, most of which are in good condition. The focus is on use of the dorms, she said.
“It’s a big complex,” she said.
However obstacles may emerge, foremost that the campus is in bankruptcy and is now owned by a bank which has entertained offers for the site.
“That’s what is under exploration,” she said.
Oliver wouldn’t speculate whether the school might eventually become a longer term possibility, saying she had to focus on fixing the major gap in the system caused by the state hospital closure — patients now in crisis that everyone in the mental health system recognizes as problematic for treatment.
Oliver said the department also has to explore permitting issues if the buildings were used, and work would have to be undertaken to make the facility “more safe and secure.”
Oliver said she would be talking to members of the mental health community Friday afternoon via conference call to brief them on the school’s consideration.