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I suspect that most of the insensitive idiots who see that land and dollar signs start to flash before their eyes never visited Dix OR knew anyone who benefitted from treatment there.
Dorothea Dix was an amazing woman. That land and the facility built there were a part of her legacy and mission to humanely treat people who are mentally ill.
This whole situation is just sad.
Thank you! And thanks to those who feel as I do about our obligation to our neighbors and the use of this land.
You summarized it well in your first sentence. It typically takes a personal or family crisis for folks to fully comprehend how this area lacks services and support for the mentally ill. The folks who work in the field with this constituency are our heroes! Not the stupid sports figures, and Hollywood types.
Then, there is the issue of the land actually being donated by Dorothea Dix for the PURPOSE of mental health care. It wasn't donated for a public park or condos or whatever govt wanted to do with it. We have no right to use the land for other purposes
Them's fightin' words - I expect much vocal debate now over the rule against perpetuities. Anyone?
A lot of information here that is not true. The hospital was named after Dorothea Dix for her work. She did not build the hospital or donate any land. She was an activist that lobbied state legislatures to provide facilities and treatment for the mentally ill.
A lot of information here that is not true. The hospital was named after Dorothea Dix for her work. She did not build the hospital or donate any land. She was an activist that lobbied state legislatures to provide facilities and treatment for the mentally ill.
Perhaps the history is incorrectly stated, but it does seem there were some restrictions placed on the land, per the N&O:
Quote:
There is no deed that dates to 1848; that’s the year the legislature agreed to found a psychiatric hospital. An 1857 deed – provided by Senate leader Phil Berger’s office – says the first 12-acre tract is “in trust for the use and benefit of the North Carolina State Hospital for the Insane.â€
Agree with you 100%. I have a close family member who is a
psychiatrist. The stories I hear regarding the way some of these people are treated simply b/c their illness isn't one you can see is appalling. On top of that some of the backward and and crazy regulations/rules they have to follow before they can attempt to do something to help the situation or person... I'll stop before this rant gets longer. Suffice to say that They could have built the new facility in Butner and kept Dix open and there still wouldn't be enough beds or space to [SIZE=3]adequately[/SIZE]
(adequate in the opinions or doctors, nurses and social workers; not insurance people or politicians) fulfill the need.
Quote:
Originally Posted by RaleighLass
Like TomPope, I fear this is the tip of the iceburg. And like Poggly, I felt sick. I have lived in Raleigh since 1974 and honestly do not remember a time when our local politicians behaved this way, and so frequently and blatantly. I feel that the majority of them are in it for personal gain, and they don't give a toss about our community. in fact, I am becoming increasingly disgusted with our representatives on the local, state and national level. And, I can no longer remain neutral regarding our Governor as he didn't take long to show his stripes. His smarmy attitude gets under my skin.
Dix was meant for the treatment of the mentally ill. I am tired of hearing how mental health treatment has changed and that there isn't the need for this campus anymore. Clearly these folks making these decisions haven't seen what Law Enforcement Officers see, what Social Workers deal with, what teachers have to put up with from troubled youth who need intervention or emergency evaluation. When I worked in a local non-profit, I'd say a large % of their clients was in need of some sort of mental health care.
The state of mental health care in this county and country is abysmal. A country as wealthy and with as many great minds as this one has could impact so many lives if this were made a national and local priority. Sadly, most people aren't aware of the challenges many of our neighbors face due to lack of good mental health care. Since Dix closed, these people have paid the price. There is often nowhere local to take people. The Dix property could have been a national model of MH care if politicans really knew what was needed for this community and actually cared about providing a solution for this crisis. But no, it's more important that we have a park, across from a park, and we remove those "people" with MH needs out of town. For leaders to think that the capital city of one of the fastest growing cities in the country didn't need Dix, is beyond shameful...i have no words to describe the disgust I feel about this.
I think that nobody, party affilliation dem or gop, would have any problem with this if the intent was to take the entirety of the land and use it to benefit the mentally ill in some way. I have a feeling that the state GOP is singing that song to woo public opinion so that they will ignore the fact that they are illegally voiding a legally binding lease. In the end they will do something completely different with it. It will be sold to developers etc. Just wait.
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