Editorial: Vermont’s health care system is so broken, reform can’t wait
Addison Independent
An outpatient emergency mental health urgent care center is coming to Burlington.
Wires line the ceilings and paint stains cover the walls on the fourth floor of 1 South Prospect Street at the University of Vermont Medical Center. But soon, patients looking for mental health care will be able to use the facility.
The MHUC will be open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for anyone seeking mental health medical care, peer support, assistance with medication, and a number of other same-day psychological services. “I really believe this is going to fill that gap in a way that we just haven’t had in Chittenden County, Vermont, so I’m really excited about that,” said Dr. Stephen Leffler, president of UVMMC.
The Howard Center, Community Health Centers of Burlington, Pathways Vermont, and UVMMC are teaming up in an attempt to divert patients that often overwhelm the emergency department. “We do believe there is some savings from the emergency department that will help, and also any person who comes here and avoids an inpatient admission is amazingly good for the system,” said Dr. Leffler. The program is fully funded for the next three years, meaning all mental health services will be provided to the community free of charge no matter your coverage.