Vermont Rep. Balint Visits Howard Center, Champions Accessible Mental Health Urgent Care
Burlington, VT – U.S. Representative Becca Balint recently toured the Howard Center's innovative mental health urgent care facility, highlighting the critical need for accessible and responsive mental health services in Vermont. The visit underscored Balint’s commitment to advocating for policies that support mental well-being and address the growing demand for crisis intervention.
The Howard Center, a leading non-profit organization in Vermont, provides a wide range of services including mental health support, substance use treatment, and developmental services. Their mental health urgent care clinic offers a vital lifeline for individuals experiencing acute mental health challenges, providing immediate assessment, crisis intervention, and connection to ongoing care.
During the tour, Rep. Balint met with Howard Center staff, including Beth Holden, Chief Client Services Officer, and learned firsthand about the clinic's operations and the impact it has on the community. Holden emphasized the clinic’s inclusive approach, stating, “Whether you’re having a mental health crisis, whether you’re having just an emotional crisis, a bad day, it doesn’t matter. There’s no bad reason or negative reason to show up.” This message reinforces the clinic's welcoming environment and encourages individuals to seek help without fear of judgment.
The need for mental health urgent care has become increasingly apparent in recent years, as rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions have risen, particularly among young people. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated these challenges, highlighting the importance of accessible and timely mental health support.
Rep. Balint’s visit comes at a crucial time as Vermont grapples with limited mental health resources and long wait times for services. The Howard Center’s urgent care clinic represents a model for addressing these challenges by providing immediate, walk-in access to care.
“It’s incredibly important that we continue to invest in these kinds of resources,” said Rep. Balint following the tour. “The Howard Center is doing vital work in our community, and I’m committed to supporting their efforts to expand access to mental health care for all Vermonters.” She expressed her intention to advocate for increased funding for mental health programs and to work towards policies that promote mental well-being.
The mental health urgent care clinic at the Howard Center offers a range of services including:
- Crisis assessment and intervention
- Short-term counseling
- Referrals to ongoing care
- Connection to community resources
The clinic is open [Insert Clinic Hours and Location Here] and is available to anyone experiencing a mental health crisis, regardless of insurance status. For more information, visit [Insert Howard Center Website Here].
Rep. Balint's visit serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of prioritizing mental health and ensuring that all Vermonters have access to the support they need to thrive.
