Colorado State Hospital Main MenuCampus MapsSuperintendentsCampus Constructions Through the 1950'sEugenicsDecentralization, 1962Bibliography and Special ThanksAlexander J Moore534d3d5224d8b5830fb6e191d6df60cc22362a04
Decentralization Image
1media/2022-04-28 (2)_thumb.png2022-04-28T09:59:57-07:00Alexander J Moore534d3d5224d8b5830fb6e191d6df60cc22362a04401652This is the official report that detailed the processes involved with and results of Decentralization in 1962.plain2022-04-28T10:09:19-07:00Alexander J Moore534d3d5224d8b5830fb6e191d6df60cc22362a04
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1media/Colorado Map..jpg2022-03-15T10:46:33-07:00Decentralization, 19628plain2022-04-28T15:59:21-07:00 Legislation from the state in early 1962 drastically changed the character of the hospital. Up to this point the hospital was the "Colorado State Hospital" which meant it was the only state funded mental health institution and took in patients from all of Colorado. This presented some unique challenges for both patients and their families. Authorities began to realize that the isolation and change that affected some patients from the states furthest reaches was detrimental to their mental health. The Decentralization efforts of 1962 were designed to alleviate these pains on families and create a healthier environment for the mentally ill. The plan geographically divided Colorado into six zones of relatively equal population. A hospital was established to care for them in each of these zones. The exodus of patients from the hospital began in the first few days of 1962; by March, over 200 patients were relocated to their respective geographic zones. The changes brought about by the decentralization allowed the hospital to reorganize itself to better care for their patients. This type of plan had been carried out successfully within other hospitals across America and resulted in more personalized and individual care for the mentally ill.