Disability rights group protests planned mental hospital

Goldsboro, N.C. — On the day before Gov. Bev Perdue and local leaders planned a celebration to break ground on a new state hospital in Goldsboro, a disability advocates' group challenged the need for the facility.

Disability Rights NC argues that the state needs more community-based mental health services rather than another brick-and-mortar hospital.

“It is time for North Carolina to act progressively and maximize its resources to benefit the state and all its citizens. Putting our resources into community services rather than institutions will be more cost-effective and humane," said Vicki Smith, executive director of the group, in a statement.

“If people with mental illness receive the community services they need, it may entirely eliminate the need for hospitalization for many individuals,” she said.