Today hosts Matthew McCleary & Patrick Kirby ask tough, thought-provoking questions to Dr. Rosalie Etherington, Chief Clinics Officer & State Hospital Superintendent at Department of Human Services North Dakota. 

Today’s podcast focuses on the how the state hospital currently operates, the current condition of the facility and the need for significant upgrades or to rebuild the state hospital entirely. 

00:00 Intro & Brief History 
             Who goes to the state hospital?
             What is the typical length of stay?
             Why do we not have regional hospitals?
             What does the hospital treat? 
             What’s a typical day for a patient? 
             Dimensions of recovery explained?
             What typical conditions do you see? 
             Is there a typical age range? 
             Can a patient leave when they want to?
             What’s the process to transition back to the community?
             What’s the current capacity? 
             What’s the current condition of the state hospital? 

44:20  Are there plans for a new hospital? 

50:08  Can the current hospital be fixed/upgraded for future use? 
               If current systems failed, then what? 
               Would evacuation be necessary? 
               What is the likelihood of system failure? 
               How does the cost to repair compare to building new? 
               What would a new hospital look like?
               How is the current staff adapting to challenging conditions? 

1:09:00  What is the need in Western North Dakota? 
                    How much more capacity is needed? 
                    What do other public/service agencies think about current conditions? 
                    What is the state hospital’s role--now and in the future? 
                    What “first impression” does the hospital have? 

1:26:58  If money were no object, what would you do? 
                    Final Thoughts/Closing
                    Contact Information 

As a North Dakota coalition advocating for consumer/family-driven mental health services, Mental Health Advocacy Network (MHAN) calls for immediate solutions to gaps in services.

MHAN advocates for direct involvement of consumers and families, veterans and those from rural communities in shaping prevention, intervention, service planning and delivery.

MHAN believes that there is value in the work being done by individuals, communities, and legislators to improve services, however, there is much more work to do. 

The mental health system in North Dakota is in crisis.

Learn More About MHAN: http://www.mhan.org/

Contact Information for the State Hospital/Dr. Etherington: https://www.nd.gov/dhs/locations/statehospital/