NAMI NC Logo
NAMI North Carolina's
Heard in the Halls
March 20, 2012

Dix Property Disposition
March 20,  2012
Edition 38

 
Quick Links

This issue will update you on discussions at the General Assembly on Dix property options, and provide an update on problems with personal care in group homes and adult care homes

 

Debra Dihoff, MA

Executive Director

NAMI North Carolina

 

Dix Property

 

Who will profit?

 

A lot has been happening with discussions around the eventual disposition of the Dix property, now that the remaining 30 beds for those in minimum security forensic beds will be moving by July to space in the old John Umstead Hospital.  A coalition has been formed to support using funds from the sale of the land to build evidence based programs in the community, as a way of preserving Dix's legacy established in the l800's of providing the very best treatment for those living with mental illness.  The structure for the disposition of the funds- whether it is a foundation, a trust fund, or some other method under the Treasury is still under discussion, but the purpose is clear.  The Coalition of Persons Disabled by Mental Illness (CPDMI) of which NAMI NC is a member is joining NAMI Wake to support this cause. 

 

What's been accomplished?

 

February 15 - Letter sent by CPDMI to the Governor asking her support for funds being used for services

February 20 - met with the Raleigh News & Observer Editorial board to plead our case; nice succinct article in the paper the next day.

February - Meetings between advocates and various legislators:  Hunt, Dollar, Stevens, Avila, (Stam, Burr, Atwater, in process of being scheduled..)  Most are very supportive of the funds being used in this manner

February 29 - Met with Greg Poole of the Dix Visionaries to see if we could gain their support for the proceeds going to the benefit of those with mental illness.  Positive meeting, but needs more follow up to clarify mutual understandings. 

March l3 - Joint Legislative Oversight on Health and Human Services discusses closure of Dix hospital and property decisions

 

 


What happened at the March 13 Health and Human Services Legislative Oversight Committee (LOC) regarding the remaining patients at Dix, and the disposition of the land?
 
  • The LOC oversight committee was notified of the intent to proceed with the closure of Dix (for the thirty forensic patients left on campus)
  • These patients, many of whom work, will be moving to the CRH Annex, located in the old Blackley Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Center, which will be refurbished (costing less than $20K)
  • Closure occurs under the authority of the Secretary of HHS, with the approval of the Governor, Council of State, and the legislature.  Article VII Chapter 146 of General Statutes outlines the special provisions related to closure. 
  • The Governor initiated an appraisal on the value of the Dix land (531 acres total with soccer fields, cemetery, originally; some of land is under lease, so other appraisals are looking at acreage of closer to 259) More appraisals will probably be sought ($60 M, $84M are two figures right now for value)
  • Representative Dollar stated that there is no intent to dispose of acreage until a study is done, for relocation of l300 state employees.  This study will take two years
  • Senator Purcell wondered about consolidating all leased officers in one location on the Dix campus  

What can you do?

 

1. Call or email your legislators, identify yourself as a NAMI member

2. Ask their support for the proceeds from the sale going to provide evidenced based practices (EBP) in the community

3. Ask their support in ensuring that the sale is done at a fair market value, not some huge discount.

4. Send them a copy of our document about this issue 

 

Thanks for all your hard work throughout our great state!

 

Deby Dihoff, MA
Executive Director, NAMI NC