The HCRS and Brattleboro Retreat proposal to develop a small ‘staff secure’ residential program in Brattleboro for individuals who do not require a hospital setting, has been approved by the Vermont Department of Mental Health to begin planning and development.
This partnership between HCRS and the Retreat, called the Vermont Southern Alliance for Care, will begin the development of a 6-bed step-down facility for patients from the Vermont State Hospital. The individuals to be served in this residential program do not require a hospital setting but do need intensive clinical interventions in order to eventually re-integrate into their home communities.
The proposed facility is a key component of the Futures Plan and will be the second community residential facility established in accordance with the goals of this Plan. The first such facility is Second Spring, a successful community residential program located in Williamstown, and operated through the collaboration of three community mental health centers: Washington County, Clara Martin Center, and Howard Center.
“We are delighted that we have been chosen to begin the development phase of a community residential program. The collaboration between the Retreat and HCRS has been a long desired goal of HCRS, the Retreat, and our mutual community partners, and to work together on such a worthwhile project for the State system of care, is a wonderful opportunity” according to Judith Hayward, Executive Director of HCRS.
Rob Simpson, CEO of the Brattleboro Retreat commented, “We are very pleased to be working with HCRS on this very important project. Our partnership with HCRS brings together the best of community mental health services and the strengths of the Retreat’s psychiatric, nursing and medical care to benefit all Vermonters.”
“This proposed residential program offers an important opportunity to strengthen Vermont’s system of mental health care overall and it will provide access to needed intensive services in the southern part of Vermont” adds Deputy Commissioner of Mental Health, Beth Tanzman.
Founded in 1967, HCRS is a non-profit, community mental health agency serving Vermonters in Windham and Windsor counties.
The Brattleboro Retreat is a non-profit designated hospital founded in 1834, offering inpatient, residential, day treatment, intensive outpatient, outpatient, school, and consultative services to Vermonters.
