And we wonder why the state’s mental health delivery system is a shambles. Take a couple minutes to read this News & Observer story about the ridiculous portrait that was commissioned by, and painted of, Patsy Christian, the director of Butner’s Central Regional Hospital, and then let me know which of these facts outlined in the story is the most shameful item revealed so far.
1. A state bureaucrat commissions an oil painting of herself to be hung in the facility she directs.
2. The painting was originally to be paid for with state vending machine receipts meant for the mentally ill.
3. The story says Christian “is still to be the director” of the hospital.
4. There is no word on whether Christian will have to repay the money herself.