Central State Hospital (Milledgeville, Georgia)

Central State Hospital is a psychiatric hospital located in Milledgeville, Georgia. It was founded in 1842 and is one of the oldest and largest mental health facilities in the United States. The hospital has played a significant role in the history of mental health care in Georgia and the United States.

History

Central State Hospital was originally established as the Georgia State Lunatic, Idiot, and Epileptic Asylum. The hospital was created to provide care for individuals with mental illnesses, intellectual disabilities, and epilepsy. Over the years, the name of the hospital changed several times, reflecting changes in societal attitudes and medical terminology. It was renamed the Georgia State Sanitarium in 1897, and later became Central State Hospital in 1929.

Facilities and Services

At its peak, Central State Hospital was one of the largest mental health institutions in the world, with over 200 buildings and a patient population that exceeded 12,000. The hospital provided a wide range of services, including psychiatric care, medical treatment, and vocational training. The campus included a farm, a dairy, and various workshops where patients could engage in therapeutic activities.

Decline and Modernization

In the latter half of the 20th century, the hospital began to decline due to changes in mental health care practices, including the deinstitutionalization movement and the development of community-based mental health services. The patient population decreased significantly, and many of the hospital's buildings were closed or repurposed. Today, Central State Hospital continues to operate, but on a much smaller scale, providing specialized care for a limited number of patients.

Notable Patients

Central State Hospital has been home to many notable patients over the years, including Flannery O'Connor, a renowned American writer who was treated for lupus at the hospital.

Legacy

The history of Central State Hospital is a reflection of the broader history of mental health care in the United States. The hospital's legacy includes both advancements in psychiatric treatment and the challenges associated with institutional care. The hospital's extensive archives and historical records provide valuable insights into the evolution of mental health care practices.

See Also

• Milledgeville, Georgia
• Deinstitutionalization
• Psychiatric hospital
• Mental health care in the United States