#GivingTuesday 2017 & WCMHS 50th Anniversary

WCMHS celebrated its 50^th year in 2017. Looking back, we recognize the significant shifts that have occurred in the approach we take to mental health, developmental disabilities and substance abuse treatment and support. When we began this journey in 1967, we worked to get people out of hospitals and into the community. A foundation was laid to assist people in what we now call the social determinants of health:  housing, employment, transportation, relationships and all those elements in our lives that bring mind, body, and emotional health together.

Today we recognize that mental health care is important for all us, from the time we are children to when we are older Vermonters.  It is not something set aside for a special population.

We recognize that people with developmental disabilities have untapped potential and, with the right supports, can live full lives and reach their dreams.

We recognize that substance abuse treatment needs to be robust in all of our communities to tackle the difficult issues facing people with addiction.

In order to achieve the goal of making a positive difference in the lives of people who walk through our doors, we also recognize that we need to supply an array of approaches to best address the varied needs. This might be 1:1 therapy for one person, while another benefits most from a mindfulness group. It might be case management that provides connection with health care, housing, supported employment, and transportation; while another needs housing, psychiatry and nursing. Some may need to be connected with a group home for 24/7 support, while others seek to live independently, with a supportive outreach person.  And yet others may need to access our 24/7 emergency line due to a mental health crisis.  All of these supports help to prevent the need for hospitalization.  In fact, only a very small percentage of individuals are hospitalized for psychiatric issues in the State of Vermont, largely due to the strong network of designated agencies, such as WCMHS, providing these supports.