SCRANTON TIMES-TRIBUNE Editorial: …Statewide, the patient population at seven state hospitals has declined by 24 percent since 2006, and is projected to drop to a total of 1,400 patients by June 30, from 1,600 in 2012.
The state hospital system provides inpatient intensive treatment. But as the state reviews the system with an eye toward further downsizing, the process should be more comprehensive. Rather than looking at the hospital system alone, the Legislature and the administration should examine the entire mental health system to determine what role the hospitals can play in alleviating the pressing need for outpatient or sporadic care.
People suffering from mental illness would benefit from increased access to care; taxpayers would benefit from diminishing prisons’ roles as de facto mental health centers… (more)
