The first asylum in Texas is still very much a mystery, even after 160 years
WHEN: Thursday June 29, 2023 11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: IN-PERSON at Rudy's Bar-B-Que
3914 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78756
Carl Schock
Introduced by Lion Mac Ragsdale
This presentation will focus on the history of the Austin State Hospital (ASH) since its inception in 1857 to the present, beginning with the concept of “asylum,” moving to the dark days of the early and mid-20th century, the beginnings of more effective treatments in the 80’s and 90’s, and the promising future in a new building on the old campus.
ASH was the first psychiatric hospital built in Texas and is based on the Thomas Kirkbride design. Many of the features of the hospital were innovations and provided an excellent treatment environment for patients. Over its many years, overcrowding and funding constraints eventually resulted in problematic treatment conditions.
Questions and answers to follow presentation.
There will be a field trip to the Austin State Hospital immediately following the meeting at 4110 Guadalupe, less than 5-minute drive from Rudy’s and right across the street from New World Deli. Gather on the porch of the Old Main Building and park in the adjacent lot.
About our speaker:
As the ASH superintendent, Carl was responsible for the operation of the 300-bed psychiatric facility that provides acute care, specialty services, and child/adolescent programs. He oversaw the 80-acre campus with 32 buildings with an operating budget of more than $47 million and almost 1000 staff members. He represented the facility in work with local government staff, state legislators and aides, and 11 community centers providing outpatient services in the 37-county ASH service area. He also worked for change with advocacy, consumer, and volunteer groups, including Disability Rights of Texas, Mental Health America in Texas, Communities for Recovery, the Austin Clubhouse, and the National Alliance for Mental Illness.
Before he became the ASH superintendent in 2000, he was its director of Nursing/Clinical Support Services. He also worked for many years in private healthcare, including leadership roles with two neurorehabilitation hospitals. He has a bachelor’s degree in Nursing from UT Austin and a master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Texas State University.
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Starting at 11:45 a.m., a BBQ buffet, consisting of choice of meats (brisket, pork ribs, smoked turkey breast, sausage), choice of sides (beans, potato salad, coleslaw), drinks (water or unsweetened ice tea), and a dessert (banana pudding) will be available in the Crockett Room. Cost of the lunch is $14.00 per person. Please register online before 5 pm on Tuesday. You can pay online or at the meeting, but it is much preferred that you pay online to reduce handling of cash. The actual meeting will begin at noon, and conclude by 1 p.m.
Wearing masks is optional. Please stay home if you are feeling unwell or have recently been around someone with COVID.
Featured Lunch Meal $14:
served buffet style
Please register by 5 p.m. on Tuesday
We order meals based on your reservations and must pay for them even if you do not show up.
If you need to change or cancel your reservation, please call 512-441-1555.
