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Residents Unite Against Proposed Closure of Pocasset Mental Health Center

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News Summary

Residents of Cape Cod have gathered to protest the proposed closure of the Pocasset Mental Health Center, vital for local mental health care. Amid proposed budget cuts by Governor Maura Healey, advocates emphasize that the center is crucial for support, especially in light of increasing demand for mental health services. The community is actively working to oppose the closures and safeguard access to essential care for those in need.

Residents Unite Against Proposed Closure of Pocasset Mental Health Center

In a community gathering charged with emotion and determination, residents have come together to voice their concerns over the potential closure of the Pocasset Mental Health Center. This center, a crucial lifeline for those battling mental health issues, is under threat due to budget cuts proposed by Governor Maura Healey for January 2026. The proposed budget also includes the shuttering of a pediatric rehabilitation hospital in Canton and cuts to the already strained mental health case manager workforce.

A Mother’s Plea

One of the heartfelt advocates is Diane Lawson, a devoted mother whose son, Blue, struggles with schizophrenia. Lawson shared her gratitude for the specialized care and support provided by the staff at Pocasset. They are familiar with Blue’s unique challenges, making a significant difference in his day-to-day life. She emphasized that without such support, navigating mental health issues can feel overwhelmingly daunting.

The Wider Impact of Cuts

The implications of the proposed cuts are far-reaching. Barnstable County Sheriff Donna Buckley expressed alarm that closing the center will exacerbate pressure on emergency rooms, police, and jails—institutions already grappling with an escalating mental health crisis on Cape Cod. Buckley pointed to the mistakes of the past, noting that closures 40 years ago led to dire long-term consequences for the community, highlighting the need for more robust mental health services.

Your Local Beds Are Limited

Adding to the urgent nature of this issue, State Senator Dylan Fernandes informed the community that the Center is funded through the fiscal year, meaning there won’t be an immediate closure. He is actively working to amend the budget to prevent the Center’s future shutdown, pointing out the stark reality that Cape Cod Hospital only has 20 inpatient beds available for a region that desperately needs more facilities to handle acute mental health cases.

The Role of Case Managers

An essential part of the mental health support system, case managers play a pivotal role in aiding clients to manage their lives and access necessary resources. Rachel Courington, a case management supervisor, raised concerns that cuts to these staff members will result in more pressure on emergency departments and police services, furthering the cycle of distress for those in need.

The Fight Continues

Against this backdrop, a petition spearheaded by Senator Fernandes has garnered over 1,257 signatures, with signatories calling for a reversal of the decision to close the Pocasset Center. Fernandes is organizing a community meeting on February 11 to discuss the potential ramifications of the closure and generate proactive solutions as a united front.

Crafting a Resolution

Sheila Lyons, Chair of the Board of Regional Commissioners, announced that they are drafting a resolution to present to the governor’s office opposing the cuts. In tandem, the Bourne Select Board expressed their opposition by writing a letter that warns how closing the center will lead to increased access issues and untreated mental health conditions.

Frustration on the Rise

Local organizations, including the National Alliance on Mental Illness Cape Cod, echoed this frustration. Kim Lemmon, representing the organization, lamented the decreasing access to mental health services over the years, emphasizing the need for better provisions. And let’s not forget Sheriff Buckley, who stated that a notable percentage of the population at the Barnstable County Correctional Facility is on psychiatric medication—a damning statistic that reflects the urgent need for adequate mental health care.

A Community’s Call to Action

The Pocasset Mental Health Center stands as the only state-run facility on Cape Cod, currently offering 16 inpatient beds, while the nearest alternative is located nearly 30 miles away at the Cape Cod Hospital. As the community rallies together to protect this essential resource, it’s clear that the fight is more than about preserving a building; it’s about safeguarding lives, maintaining dignity, and ensuring that every resident receives the help they desperately need. The battle may just be beginning, but the residents have proved they are ready to stand their ground.

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