Memories of the change in mental health

Does anyone else have memories similar to this reader's?

I remember when the mental hospitals were shut down allegedly on the basis of civil liberties violations. When the media began attacks on mental institutions I was in college, in Virginia no less, and had the opportunity to tour one of Virigia's largest in Staunton (some 5000 patients). I was impressed with how clean the place was and how well cared for the patients appeared. Not the description you got in the media.