The prevailing wisdom continued to hold that bigger facilities meant lower costs.
In 1961, more than 6,565 residents with developmental disabilities – an all-time high – lived in state hospitals. In addition, almost 900 people waited for care.
At the urging of Governor Elmer L. Andersen, the Legislature authorized $36,000 to develop a pilot project to create day activity centers designed expressly to help individuals reach their optimum capabilities.
The first pilot programs opened in February 1961 at Willmar and Litchfield.
Pilot programs in Willmar and Litchfield taught life skills to people with developmental disabilities.
Throughout the 1960s, institutional reform continued on a wide scale. Willmar became the first "open" hospital, both physically (through open doors) and psychologically (through minimal use of restraints).
Professional administrators were hired to manage the business end of the hospital, leaving the practice of medicine to psychiatrists and other medical experts.
The state hospital at Willmar was the first to become an "open" hospital.