by Jean Maly, for the Newport Dispatch

NEWPORT — At his weekly press conference Wednesday, Vermont Gov. Phil Scott toured the new Front Porch Mental Health Urgent Care Facility in Newport, marking the conclusion of Suicide Prevention Month and reiterating the state’s ongoing commitment to mental health services. Scott emphasized the growing importance of mental health, particularly in the wake of the pandemic and recent floods.

“Mental health has always been an important part of our overall health and well-being. In the last few years, starting with the pandemic, and then followed by two major floods, it’s made the connection even more clear,” Scott stated.

He highlighted progress, including embedding mental health workers in state police barracks, developing mobile crisis response teams, and expanding the 988 crisis response line. Kelsey Stavseth, executive director of Northeast Kingdom Human Services and co-president of Vermont Care Partners, discussed the Front Porch facility.

“Traditionally if someone is in crisis, the emergency department was the only option, or often the only option. But oftentimes that’s not the best place for people to come,” Stavseth explained.

The Front Porch provides a 24/7 co-occurring program supporting individuals across the lifespan, offering a safe and welcoming alternative to emergency rooms. Stavseth shared a success story of an individual actively using substances who, through repeated visits and partnerships, achieved stabilization and returned to the community.

Alicia Webb, 988 Lifeline program manager for Northeast Kingdom Human Services, stressed the accessibility of the crisis response system.

“If you’re struggling or worried about someone else, you can call, text, or chat 988,” Webb said.

She recounted a poignant example of a caller who felt “much lighter” after simply having someone listen without judgment. “The goal of 988 is simple: to give people the right help at the right time so that they can feel supported and return to their daily lives with more safety and comfort,” she said.

Emily Hawes, commissioner for the Vermont Department of Mental Health, noted the impact of a prominent mental health crisis system.

“A strong crisis system does more than respond in the moment. It gives people real options when life feels overwhelming,” Hawes stated.

She noted that Vermont’s 988 centers answered over 10,000 calls, texts, and chats last month, and mobile crisis teams responded to over 300 calls in June, with nearly 85 percent of situations resolved without requiring higher-level care.

“Vermont now has six walk-in alternatives to emergency department programs,” she said.

Regarding funding, Stavseth explained that the Front Porch initiative began four years ago, driven by community advocates.

“It really started from an idea and followed through with some money that was available from the state,” she said, attributing funding to COVID money for infrastructure and legislative allocations for programmatic work.

When asked about expanding such facilities, Hawes indicated future conversations are planned, noting that the two oldest facilities, in Chittenden and Newport, are providing valuable data. She also confirmed that Vermont’s approach to mental health urgent care, while modeled after national examples, incorporates a “Vermont twist” to suit the state’s diverse communities.

Officials encouraged anyone experiencing anxiety, stress, or depression to reach out.

“If you’re thinking about calling, then you should call,” Stavseth advised.

She emphasized that the individual defines their crisis. Peer-based services, delivered by individuals who lived the experience, are also a crucial component, helping to reduce stigma and build connections.