Lynn: Yes, NIMBY is alive and well when it comes to siting any kind of "service provider" residential facilities.  I was quite impressed when Sponsors, instead of trying to site their facility in some residential neighborhood, built on 99 north of Roosevelt/4 corners.  They built a beautiful facility and really "brought up" the entire neighborhood.  IMO, community-based mental health facilities could do the very same thing.  The residents can access services, etc via LTD or, if needed, staff provided transportation.  

As I've mentioned in the OpEd, when the funding is dedicated to an unneeded hospital, no money remains to support those community services you and I agree are needed.

Frankly, I'd love to see the Hospital closed and the entire "savings" redirected to state support for community-based services.  regards and, while we pretty frequently disagree on specific issues, I appreciate and respect your compassion and dedication to helping others.  regards, Gary