Barnstable Sheriff, Duffy Health Expand Partnership

BARNSTABLE, MA — The Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office is expanding its longtime partnership with Duffy Health Center.

As of June 4, a Duffy Community Health Worker will be available every Wednesday at The Bridge Center to "provide vital re-entry support, rebuild lives and break the cycle of incarceration," officials said.

The Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office opened The Bridge Center on April 11 as part of its Public Safety 2.0 initiative, which reimagines incarceration as an opportunity for strategic intervention and prepares individuals for stability and success.

Located at the court complex in Barnstable Village, The Bridge Center is a community-facing hub where at-risk and justice-involved individuals can access services under one roof, officials said.

For 28 years, the Duffy Health Center has provided care to people with complex needs, including addiction, homelessness, mental illness and low incomes.

"They will now bring that experience to help us rebuild lives," officials said.

“Duffy Health Center’s demonstrated commitment to bring healthcare and stability to everyone who walks through their door makes Duffy a perfect fit and an essential ally at The Bridge Center,” said Sheriff Donna Buckley. “Formerly incarcerated people have both tremendous needs and potential. We want them to overcome their challenges and make better life choices, because that is how we build public safety.”

Duffy Health Center’s Community Health Worker will support individuals who have had contact with the criminal justice system, including those recently released from jail or prison, on probation or parole, or participating in diversion or reentry programs.

Duffy’s Community Health Worker Christina Linares already works with incarcerated individuals at the Barnstable Correctional Facility. She will build on those relationships at The Bridge Center to keep clients on track.

“Duffy Health Center is grateful to be involved with The Bridge Center, to provide critical support for justice-involved members of the community,” said Duffy’s Chief Development & Communications Officer Kim Norton. “Duffy's on-site Community Health Worker will provide case coordination, support services, and advocacy to promote successful reintegration, reduce recidivism, and improve overall life outcomes.

“In addition, the Community Health Worker will collaborate with probation/parole officers, court systems, behavioral health providers, and social services to coordinate care,” Norton continued. “As a longtime partner of the Barnstable County Sheriff's Office, we look forward to expanding Duffy's impact in the community through this important work at The Bridge Center.”

The Bridge Center’s growing list of services includes a weekly Drop-In Support Group for Justice Involved Individuals, and weekly Family Outreach Resource & Support Services (FORSS) office hours to assist families with someone in the justice system.