1,244 Comments for Central Islip State Hospital

Layla,
The number of people who are mentally ill and mass murderers, or even who murder one person is tiny. We don't need institutions to confine people in hospitals because we have problems with a tiny number of people with mental illness and violence. We need a non stigmatizing community willing to fund services like case management and job coaches, and if needed and wanted residential services or a day program. If a hospitalization is needed a community hospital works equally well. The vast majority of people with mental illness can live nicely in the community given the right supports. Just like most people without mental illness most people with mental illness do not even have the inclination to shoot people.

My Mother stayed here for a short visit in the 60s. She remained ill through out her life, although she was able to handle her illness with much help and medication.

These pictures are sad and a bit scary. It's sad to see that such an institution has fallen by the way side and left in ruins.

There is a real need for state mental facilities to be up and running in today's world of mass killing, such as that man did to the people in the theater. Today, there is no where for the sick to go...so they go out to shoot congresswomen, and people in theaters and Sikhs in their places of worship.

Can you please tell me exactly where the location of the abandoned buildings was. Reference was made to a shopping mall now occupying the area, but what mall would this be. Are any original buildings left that may have been assigned to other institutions.

What was the actual street address.

Thank you,

Sandy McCoy

LOOK LIKE A BUNCH OF CAR SEATS

Great pic, reminds me of the Violent Femmes. "When I'm out walkin', I strut my stuff..."

Fire house is still standing but only just. as of may 2012. I drive by every couple of months when I have business in the area.

Hi, Motts. Thank you for your post in answer to my question about patient diaries at Central Islip--and thanks for the tip on where I might find ancient patient records, which I will pursue.
Thanks again also for your remarkable work, evocative and resonant. I dream of your images. Kathy

Hi Kathy, no I did not keep any diaries found here. Official patient records would probably be accessed through the New York State Office of Mental Health depending on your particular circumstances: http://www.omh.ny.gov/omhweb/faq/#c

I have recently learned my grandmother--about whom I have been able to learn very little--was consigned to Central Islip at the time of the 1930 census. I am fascinated by your all your photos and very interested in the activities roster as a possible key to her experience. You mention finding patient diaries. Did you keep any of these by any chance? Do you know anything about what became of patient records? Would much appreciate any further information albout patients' experience. Thanks

Our grand uncle Thomas Healy was employed here as an ward attendant in 1927 must have been a difficult job

does anyone know why patients from kppc would be transferred back and forth between kppc and central islip ?

I want that image on a t-shirt both front and back, people would be like dude your creeping me out man.

Some of you guys are hilarious - can´t stop laughing, hahaha; may you all be well.........................
Good picture!

i would like to think that his (the racoon) job was done. and this is where his home was. to make the next kid happy.
great shot mr. motts. very though and emotion provoking on all fronts

this is so creepy. a favorite by far