Poughkeepsie,NY Historic Psychiatric Center Fire 6/3/2026

In Dennis Smith's memoir "A Song For Mary" he describes being raised by his strict mother while his father was institutionalized in an insane asylum. I assume this would have been Poughkeepsie. It was also featured in the movie "The French Connection".

I toured the San Antonio State Hospital- originally the Southwestern Insane Asylum (1892) fifty years ago. It was more grim than you could possibly imagine. With the introduction of psychiatric medicines (Thorazine, Haloperidol), the Kennedy Administration decided these hospitals were inhumane and needed to close. After that, these poor patients could be safely treated with medication as outpatients.

Homeless encampments, people lying in a storefront, or screaming up at the sky are a constant reminder how well this policy worked out.
 
Before retiring my wife was an occupational therapist who worked in mental health for 40 years. The last 10 years or so she would tell me we don't help people anymore. I said why. She said it's all about the insurance companies ruling the medical field plus admin wants people out long before they should be because with a turnover they make more money. She was very good at her job and very frustrated by this.
 
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