On July 2, 2015

State to decide fate of Rutland Mental Health

By Morgan True, VTDigger.org

Among the problems Rutland Mental Health Services must address to remain one of the state’s regional human services contractors is its management of a waiting list for adolescent mental health services, a state report shows.

Within the past year a 13-year-old girl took her own life after waiting almost six months to get into mental health treatment at the agency.

The state is reviewing whether Rutland Mental Health Services should keep its status as a designated agency. RMH is one of 11 designated agencies, nonprofits that receive exclusive contracts for mental health, developmental disability and substance use services. These agencies receive more than $300 million from the state each year, and RMH receives more than $28 million of that.

Stakeholder committees made up of clients, family and experts met a final time June 26 and voted to place the agency on provisional status with intent to de-designate. The state must make a final decision by July 28.

Do you want to submit feedback to the editor?

Send Us An Email!

Related Posts

Vermont’s adult loon population is at an all-time high, but fewer chicks are surviving

July 2, 2025
By Izzy Wagner/VTDigger Vermont’s adult loon population is at an all-time high, but scientists have noticed a recent decrease in the number of chicks surviving. In 2024, Vermont saw a record-breaking 123 nesting pairs, 11 of which landed at first-time nesting sites. Out of the 125 loon chicks that hatched in 2024, 65% survived through the…

Vermont State University graduates 414 nurses, boosting local health care workforce

July 2, 2025
Vermont State University (VTSU) has graduated 414 new nurses this year, marking a significant step forward in addressing the state’s ongoing health care workforce shortage. With approximately 92% of these graduates testing for licensure in Vermont and strong NCLEX pass rates, the university continues to deliver on its promise to educate and prepare nurses who…

VT Agency of Education announces summer food service program

July 2, 2025
The Agency of Education announced the availability of summer meal sites providing meals to all children, 18 and under, through the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). This program ensures that children across the state have access to nutritious meals throughout the summer. Families are encouraged to access these meals to help support children’s growth, health,…

Sanders restores $17m for Vt schools canceled by Trump

July 2, 2025
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont), ranking member of the Senate health, education, labor, and pensions (HELP) committee, June 27 announced that the U.S. Dept. of Education reversed its decision to cancel nearly $17 million in federal K-12 Covid-19 funding for Vermont school districts and some $2.5 billion for schools across the country. The administration’s announcement follows…