edc: The Salem Hospital is 82 patients short of full capacity.  Check the recent RG article regarding the question of the closure and you will see that.  The Salem facility is built for 620 patients.  It currently has 538 and is funded for 594.  This means if the JCHospital is closed all the patients have a bed in Salem.  It does require that the funding for 26 "extra" patients (above the current Salem "funding capacity" would have to be transferred from the JC budget.  Your assessment shows an unfortunate lack of understanding of community-based facilities and services.  If you wish to take a few "cheap shots" at Cahoots, I suggest you visit with the EPD and ask them how they feel about the community crisis intervention services provided by Cahoots.  Mental health services need to be provided at all levels of need, not just locked-ward institutions.  I'd be more than happy to visit with you regarding these issues.  Give me a call and let's have that discussion...regards, Gary