Metro State Hospital reveals plans to house patients at CYA facility

NORWALK — The Metro State Hospital in Norwalk has informed city of Norwalk officials of their intent to renovate and likely house COVID-19 negative patients at the California Youth Authority facility. 

The facility, located on Bloomfield Avenue which has been vacant for nearly a decade, will be utilized temporarily as a satellite facility. This action was initiated to mitigate the effects of “surge space” at state hospitals by the Department of State Hospitals.

Norwalk officials had been eyeing the location for possible housing and commercial retail space. Given the temporary need by Metropolitan State Hospital, officials there have informed the city that these plans will not interfere with any possible development plans at that location. 

The city is in a difficult predicament as they are restricted by the state’s “emergency powers” due to the pandemic. 

“There is no legal recourse to prevent the use of this facility by the state, however, the city council has passed an ordinance that requires public agencies to consult with the city prior to placing a homeless or COVID-19 facility in Norwalk,” said Mayor Jennifer Perez. “The city council has authorized staff to meet and confer with representatives of the California Department of State Hospitals (DSH) to ensure safety measures are in place, that an exit strategy is clearly outlined and that Norwalk residents are informed prior to the housing of any patients.”

According to a flyer prepared by the California Department of State Hospitals, the facility “will be used to house up to 98 patients from the Department of State Hospitals. The patients may come from nearby Metropolitan State Hospital or other state hospitals. Housing these patients at this facility will provide more bed space at a state hospital for patients who test positive for COVID-19 or have been exposed to the virus.” 

City officials have indicated that a virtual town hall will take place to inform the residents of the possible re-opening of the CYA facility. This meeting with residents will take place on Thursday evening, Sept. 10, from 6–7 pm. 

A toll-free number has been set up for the event. Residents are being instructed to call (844) 767-5679, with an access code 5569747. City officials anticipate a large meeting wherein Department of State Hospital officials will provide more detailed information, and answer questions or concerns from the residents.

City officials have indicated that ensuring that residents are informed and satisfied with the information provided during this virtual town hall is key to the success of this operation. 

Mayor Perez says “during these unprecedented times, it is important that there be cooperation between local, county, and state government. The safety of our community members is central to the efforts of the city council. We want to ensure to every resident that we are committed to providing optimum security possible to maintain the quality of life for every Norwalk family.”

The flyer prepared by (DSH) states that if the residents have any concerns, they should direct all inquiries to the Metropolitan State Hospital’s Public Information Officer, Claudine Hanna, at Claudine.Hanna@DSH.ca.gov.