Media Policy

September 2007

The Brattleboro Retreat values its relationships with members of the media. We have numerous experts who are qualified to comment on a variety of topics related to mental health, addiction and the delivery of healthcare services.  In order to continue to ensure productive interactions with the media, the following guidelines have been established:

• All requests for interviews with employees of the Brattleboro Retreat must be arranged through the Outreach and Education Department (O&E). The department can be reached during regular business hours (M—F, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) at 802-258-4359. After business hours, the Administrator on call can be paged through the Retreat operator at 802-257-7785. Our staff will make every effort to work with the media to make the appropriate experts available.
• When arriving on campus, all members of the media must report to the Administration Building by the main entrance where they will be met by staff from O&E.
• To protect the privacy of Retreat patients and families, Outreach and Education staff must escort all reporters, photographers or other members of the media on the Retreat campus. Any unauthorized/unescorted members of the media will be politely asked to leave the Retreat campus noting the importance of confidentiality to our patients and the need to arrange a formal contact with O&E staff.
• Photography, audio or video recordings, or any other type of recording device is prohibited on campus unless expressly allowed by O&E and used in the company of an authorized Retreat representative. This applies to members of the press as well as anyone else coming to the campus, including patients, family members and friends.
• The identity of patients and the nature of their care is confidential. It is the policy of the Brattleboro retreat not to offer, confirm or deny any information related to current or former patients.