Gov. Phil Scott talks mental health resources
Rutland Herald
Gov. Phil Scott spoke to what the state is doing to address Vermont’s mental health crisis during his weekly news conference on Wednesday.
Acknowledging September as Suicide Awareness month, Scott highlighted Vermont resources like mobile crisis response teams, mental health urgent care centers and the Vermont Child Psychiatry Access Program (CPAP).
“It takes all of us working together across sectors to make a real difference in our communities, whether it’s checking in on your neighbor or volunteering in your community. You never know how much an act of kindness, no matter how small, can mean to others,” Scott said.
Department of Mental Health Commissioner Emily Hawes congratulated CPAP, a program intended to connect pediatric primary care providers with licensed clinician social workers child and adolescent psychiatrists, for celebrating their 1,000th call recently.
She added that other resources like the free 998 suicide crisis hotline are also available to anyone in need, whether they are in crisis or need support.
Hawes discussed the first ever Vermont Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan, which was crafted by Vermonters who have lived experience, health care professionals and others.