Gun Restrictions Focus on Suicide

Gun Restrictions Focus on Suicide

MONTPELIER – A bill described as intending to protect Vermonters at risk of suicide by boosting safety through restrictions on gun owners and purchasers passed the legislature this spring. It became law without the governor’s signature. Rep. Alyssa Black introduced...
Peer Certification Plan Funded

Peer Certification Plan Funded

MONTPELIER – The Vermont Department of Mental Health’s new budget includes funds for a “Peer Supports Credentialing Program.” DMH requested an allocation of $187,500 from the state’s general fund to cover half of the projected cost of its startup and its first year of...
‘Soft Restraints’ Required of Police

‘Soft Restraints’ Required of Police

MONTPELIER – Starting in July, police cruisers throughout Vermont will have to carry “soft restraints” for transporting individuals after responding to a mental health crisis. These devices, with fabric resembling that of a seat belt, will offer an alternative to...
Mobile Crisis To Go Statewide

Mobile Crisis To Go Statewide

WATERBURY – The Vermont Department of Mental Health expects to launch a unified statewide mobile crisis response service this year. It follows a 13-month pilot program in Rutland which had to limit operations due to challenges recruiting workforce. DMH selected...
Does Safety Hurt More Than Help?

Does Safety Hurt More Than Help?

An increased regulatory focus on removing psychiatric inpatients’ opportunities for self-harm has led Vermont’s hospitals to make major changes to improve safety. But according to psychiatric survivors, some of these changes have yielded unintended consequences in how...

Pin It on Pinterest