Dear Dewey
On Friday–March 4–a patient who called himself “the son of Satan” walked away from the Western State Hospital grounds. He was found the next day in a public park eight miles distant from the hospital. An investigation was immediately conducted to determine how the escape occured.
The hospital management, which had already initiated restrictive movement protocols in the aftermath of a similar incident at Eastern State Hospital, directed further restrictions of group activities.
The WSH Library is housed in a building separate from the dormitories where patients reside and attend recovery classes. Patients and staff must stroll across the campus to visit the library building. The new movement restrictions have made a profound impact on what is typically a pleasant outing for patients to enjoy the outdoors and access the library’s collection.
What to do, what to do. Inspired by a librarian’s suggestion from another state hospital, I authored the first of a monthly newsletter that I hope will both inform and inspire patients to take advantage of Outreach service through campus mail delivery.
I’ve always been a believer in the power of the written word. Now I’m taking a leap of faith that my plan will work!
The first volume of Dear Dewey.
