NHS Human Services' Regional Director George Dermody and Attorney Jack Gross informed Bethlehem Township Commissioners on August 15 of their intentions to move to Bethlehem Township from Allentown State Hospital, where they are currently housed. They will need zoning approval for a special exception, but decided to acquaint Commissioners with the project first.
According to Dermody, the facility will employ 17 people and the facility will be locked. Residents will stay there for extended acute care for up to six months, and will included people recently released by hospitals or who are court-ordered to undergo this treatment. After that, residents will be discharged into a "supported apartment setting."
The ultimate goal, says Dermody, is to stop the revolving door at hospitals.
Solicitor Jim Broughal told Commissioners, "This one caught everyone's attention," and added that he had encouraged NHS to appear and provide a "first hand perspective of exactly what they're proposing."
NHS's track record in Bethlehehem Township is spotty, according to Commissioner Jerry Batcha. They operate a group home on Coleman Street for adolescent girls. "I've heard over the years a number of complaints that police continue to be called to that site." But Dermody insisted that NHS intends to "build good community relations" and that there are differences in the kinds of treatment needed for adults, as opposed to teenagers.
According to NHS, they operate a similar facility in York.
According to Dermody, the facility will employ 17 people and the facility will be locked. Residents will stay there for extended acute care for up to six months, and will included people recently released by hospitals or who are court-ordered to undergo this treatment. After that, residents will be discharged into a "supported apartment setting."
The ultimate goal, says Dermody, is to stop the revolving door at hospitals.
Solicitor Jim Broughal told Commissioners, "This one caught everyone's attention," and added that he had encouraged NHS to appear and provide a "first hand perspective of exactly what they're proposing."
NHS's track record in Bethlehehem Township is spotty, according to Commissioner Jerry Batcha. They operate a group home on Coleman Street for adolescent girls. "I've heard over the years a number of complaints that police continue to be called to that site." But Dermody insisted that NHS intends to "build good community relations" and that there are differences in the kinds of treatment needed for adults, as opposed to teenagers.
According to NHS, they operate a similar facility in York.
Check out this Dermody's track record in his dealings with the county. he has a history with a past infamous Republican Chair.
ReplyDeleteThis is what happens when the state gets out of the mental health business. These people have to go somewhere. Whether its Atiyeh or NHS, these people see a silver lining in processing drug addicts or those with mental issues. Anyone notice all of the group homes showing up in their neighborhoods and the proposals for detox and locked down facilities in their communities? Get ready folks because more is on the way.
ReplyDeletedolan, now that she is retired from her do nothing cushy union puke job will probably jump on this band wagon
ReplyDeleteOk ZORN, I am sitting here with Boo and Gloo, I am Voo. You are an asshole!
ReplyDeleteA guy calling himself zorn has the nuts to call an anonymous commenter a coward. That would be zorn from the planet Nutzo.
ReplyDelete