The State of NH plans to move the secure psychiatric unit from the prison to a wing of New Hampshire Hospital in South State Park. SPU treatment is form mentally ill offenders from prison/jails; civilly committed patients too dangerous for NHH; not guilty by reason of insanity; incompetent to stand trial. This move will not address the backlog of those seeking psychiatric treatment through emergency services, nor provide increased access for general mental health treatment.
The initial building is for 20+ forensic beds, with 60 beds to later be built, and could reach four storeys high. The maximum security building will have a razor wall. Current armed security guards will not transfer to NHH; instead new social workers will be hired, and NHH’s limited present security will be shared. 250 new hires (with parking) are proposed. Construction is on the same timeline as the proposed (Clinton St.) middle school. NHH staff, and patients, have concerns related to this proposal. The permanent SPU will add new emotional stressors for many patients. Stressors on NHH staff could lead to many staff leaving. The needs of prison SPU patients must be taken into account, but not at the expense of NHH patients’ needs. Nearby property owners will see a significant loss of value in their homes. Governor Sununu has only proposed Concord’s South State Park, with no analysis of the pros and cons of other sites. Many other alternative sites exist. Contact the mayor, governor, your representatives, and your senators.
Jerry Bolnick
Concord