Apparently, the forced closure of the Upper Shore Hospital in Maryland's eastern shore has caused enough shock to the Maryland Mental Hygiene Administration that they have quietly abandoned their nine-long year moratorium on the development of affordable housing opportunities for people with psychiatric disabilities.
In preparation for the closure of the hospital, contracts have been let for crisis services, intensive intervention services and residential services for those who will leave the hospital.
Those supports have been tested and available for decades. MHA has consistently chosen not to support crisis residential services at adequate rates and supports for individuals in new residential programs.
The failure of the Mental Hygiene Administration to support these established efforts has cost taxpayers, probably, hundreds of millions of dollars and more importantly, an enhanced quality of life for persons served.
Shame on the Mental Hygiene Administration in Maryland for waiting until a budge crunch forced your hand. Shame on the advocacy community for not forcing your hand earlier.
Congratulations to those individuals who will get an opportunity to be full contributing partners in their community because of the closure of the Upper Shore Hospital. You should well-consider your legal options against the state because of their lack of vision.
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