VTDigger says Tropical Storm Irene flooded portions of the Vermont State Hospital in Waterbury, Vermont, and since then some of the patients are being held in state prisons. Now the state is looking into a modular high-security unit in Waterbury to house mental patients being held under court order. Noting that it’s more expensive to staff a stand-alone facility for seven beds, Mental Health Commissioner Patrick Flood says a modular unit might be feasible, presumably, MHProNews.com has learned, because it is quicker and less expensive than site-built.

(Photo credit: vtd/Josh Larkin)