The imminent shutdown of a 14-person inpatient psychiatric care unit in Berlin—not to mention several other reductions in mental health care funding in central Vermont—is raising alarm among advocates, who assert this will lead to further distress for individuals experiencing crises. They expressed their concerns on Tuesday, reacting to the announcement that the University of Vermont Health Network intends to implement budget cuts totaling tens of millions of dollars. This financial decision places the psychiatric unit at Central Vermont Medical Center in serious jeopardy.
“People will die” as a direct consequence of these cuts, warned state Rep. Anne Donahue (R-Northfield), a longstanding advocate for improving mental health support. Donahue is a member of a five-person psychiatric services advisory committee at CVMC and has co-signed a letter urging the Green Mountain Care Board to halt the closure of the critical psychiatric unit, which is expected to occur by the end of the year.
In their letter, committee members highlighted the injustice of the decision, stating, “[It] singles out an existing health disparity group for loss of access to essential health care, all in the midst of a statewide mental health crisis.”
The upcoming cuts coincide with escalating tensions between the UVM Health Network, the largest healthcare provider in the state, and the Green Mountain Care Board, which regulates health provisions in Vermont. Amidst skyrocketing health insurance premiums, the board has been actively searching for methods to curb hospital expenditures.
Regulators approved budgets for the University of Vermont Medical Center and the Central Vermont Medical Center in Berlin in October, which the UVM Health Network claims will force it to absorb about $122 million less than the revenue it had initially proposed. However, the care board articulated its concerns regarding these announced cuts and their potential repercussions, clarifying that it did not preemptively sanction such reductions.
Nicole DiDomenico, who also serves on the psychiatric services advisory committee, reflected on her own experience in the Berlin unit in 2016, where she spent eight days receiving crucial medication and outpatient services for her depression after discharge. “It really saved my life,” DiDomenico emphasized. She pointed out that while other cuts are being phased in, the Berlin unit’s closure is occurring abruptly. “This is a horrible and poorly thought out decision,” she lamented.
What are the expected long-term effects of the closure of the psychiatric care unit in Berlin on community mental health services?
**Interview with State Representative Anne Donahue on Mental Health Care Cuts in Vermont**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Representative Donahue. The announcement of potential cuts to mental health care funding in central Vermont has sparked significant concern. Can you elaborate on the implications of the shutdown of the 14-person inpatient psychiatric care unit in Berlin?
**Rep. Donahue:** Thank you for having me. The closure of the psychiatric unit is alarming. It not only reduces essential resources for individuals in crisis but also creates a ripple effect throughout the community. These facilities provide critical care and support that can prevent tragic outcomes, and without them, we risk worsening an already dire situation for many vulnerable individuals.
**Editor:** You mentioned in your statement that “people will die” as a result of these cuts. Can you explain what you meant by that?
**Rep. Donahue:** Specifically, we know that access to immediate, appropriate mental health care can be life-saving. When individuals are in crisis, they need urgent support, and the available outpatient resources may not be sufficient. Inadequate care can lead to increased hospitalizations, legal issues, or worse—loss of life. This lack of support translates into real human suffering and tragic consequences for families and communities.
**Editor:** Advocacy groups have raised concerns over the budget cuts exceeding tens of millions of dollars. What response have you seen from the community regarding these cuts?
**Rep. Donahue:** The community is understandably upset and alarmed. Many advocates, including mental health professionals and organizations, have voiced their opposition to these funding reductions. We’re seeing a coalition of voices advocating for better funding and resources to support mental health services. People are beginning to realize how critical these services are, and they’re demanding action from their leaders.
**Editor:** Moving forward, what steps do you believe should be taken to prevent such drastic reductions in mental health services?
**Rep. Donahue:** First and foremost, we need to prioritize mental health funding in our state budget. We must advocate for policy changes that ensure mental health services are adequately funded and maintained. Additionally, we should explore innovative approaches to care, like integrating mental health services into primary care settings. It’s essential that we work collaboratively with organizations and stakeholders in the community to create a sustainable plan for mental health support.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Representative Donahue. It’s clear that the community’s mental health care needs are pressing, and advocacy will be key in ensuring those needs are met.
**Rep. Donahue:** Thank you for shining a light on this important topic. Together, we can make a difference.
