Reporter: Lauren Compton l Videographer: Jemon Haskins
Lynchburg, VA- Frustration, concern, and anger boiled over at the Central Virginia Training Center on Wednesday when loved ones had a chance to respond to the state's plan to close the training center by 2020.
Loved ones of CVTC residents did not hold back at the meeting with state health officials.
"It makes it sound like it a gun is held over our heads," said Margaret Foster whose loved one lives at CVTC.
It was a feeling shared by many at the meeting who feel helpless and concerned their loved one will not survive in community based care.
"What is going to happen to the individuals when it doesn't work out in a community based institute?" said Martha Essex whose brother lives at CVTC.
James Stewart, the State Commissioner of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, explained the transition process. But few people here have faith in the state's ability to carry it out.
"You are promising all sorts of things. I hear a number of these things involve new staff positions in the state of Virginia. I really doubt those can happen," said Jill Deiss whose sister lives at CVTC.
Stewart says the state will create a network of crisis response teams. The Commonwealth will also create specialized medical facilities, train more health officials and hold them accountable. But it is little comfort for mothers like Herbert Gail who says she would rather see her son Christopher Fisher die than go to community based care.
"I would rather see God take him home because I know then he'll be cared for and he will be gone. And he will be able to walk and talk like the rest of us," said Gail.
The state commissioner tried to assure parents they will have suitable options. He says parents will have the option to visit no fewer than three centers in the community to pick the best one for them. Afterward, state health officials also spoke with CVTC employees to discuss their transition.
