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Barnstable County commissioners authorize letter opposing proposed closure of Pocasset mental health center
Summary
Barnstable County commissioners voted to authorize a joint letter to Governor Maura Healey and the legislative delegation urging restoration of funding and opposing the proposed closure of the Pocasset Mental Health Center and cuts to Department of Mental Health case management.
Barnstable County commissioners voted Feb. 5 to authorize a letter to Governor Maura Healey and the county—s legislative delegation asking them to restore funding and oppose a proposal that would close the Pocasset Mental Health Center and cut Department of Mental Health (DMH) case managers.
The action came after public testimony and a briefing from county human services officials who said closing Pocasset would reduce inpatient psychiatric capacity on Cape Cod, increase pressure on emergency departments and first responders, and force families to travel off Cape for care. "The behavioral health system is already strained, and we should not be talking about closing and eliminating vital community services," said Joe Pacheco, Director of Human Services for Barnstable County. "Pocasset is a vital resource."
The commissioners' motion authorized a letter that will request the administration and the Legislature to…
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