Cape Cod Support For Mental Health Facility Builds

CAPE COD, MA — Residents, politicians and other community members have united in opposition against a section of Gov. Maura Healey's budget proposal that would cut from the Department of Mental Health.

The Pocasset Mental Health Center is on the chopping block in Healey's recent budget proposal. Located in Pocasset, the mental health center has 16 inpatient beds to care for people 19 and over.

It is also the only state-run mental health facility on Cape Cod.

Since the proposal was published, the plan to close Pocasset has drawn opposition from State Rep. David T. Vieira, State Sen. Dylan Fernandes and Barnstable County Sheriff Donna Buckley.

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Recently, the Town of Wellfleet joined the opposition, as the Select Board sent a letter to Healey's office opposing the proposal.

“Closure of this facility would have far-reaching negative consequences," Select Board member Ryan Curley. "This is a vital resource for Cape Cod that has historically provided critically important mental health related services. Closing this facility seems to run counter to the growing importance placed on mental healthcare within this country and the Board stands united on this issue."

Curley and the Wellfleet board aren't alone in the growing chorus of voices.

More than 50 people attended a recent Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates hearing in what the delegates called an "unprecedented public outcry" against the proposed closure.

Paul Hardigan is Cape Cod's only case manager for children, the Assembly said. He spoke at the meeting and bluntly stated what could lie ahead if the closure goes through.

"If any of your children have an incident on the Cape and are deemed to require a hospital level of care, there is nowhere for them to go," Hardigan said.

At the hearing, the Assembly voted unanimously to approve a resolution calling on the Governor to reverse her proposed cuts.

On Tuesday, a community forum is scheduled at 6 p.m. in the Pocasset Village Association Community Room, 314 Barrows Landing Rd., in Pocasset.

Fernandes and Vieira will host the forum, which will allow another chance for stakeholders and community members to share their perspectives. A link to RSVP can be found here.