Two significant bills are currently progressing through the Massachusetts legislative process, and we implore you to extend your support. These bills are essential for transferring Bridgewater State Hospital from the jurisdiction of the Department of Correction to the Department of Mental Health, ensuring appropriate care for individuals in need of mental health services.
FFIMI stands in solidarity with the outcry of other significant Massachusetts organizations.
The February 2024 Disability Law Center Report states “Massachusetts must cease involuntarily committing people with complex mental health needs and disabilities to a state prison facility where they will foreseeably face counter therapeutic conditions and suffer violations of their legal rights by those meant to provide them treatment.”
NAMI supports the bills, as evidenced on their website: Rally for Positive Permanent Change at Bridgewater State Hospital where they state, “Let’s use our voices, those living with mental health conditions and those who love and care for them, to insist our government act to make sure people with mental health conditions are treated with dignity, to change the culture at Bridgewater State Hospital once and for all, and transfer oversight to the DMH.”
House Bill H.2985
An Act transferring Bridgewater State Hospital from the
Department of Correction to the Department of Mental Health
H.2985 Status
This bill was reported favorably by the State Administration and Regulatory Oversight Committee and referred to the Committee on Health Care Financing on 3/11/2024. The next reporting date is scheduled for June 1, 2024.
H.2985 Call to Action
Please contact the Health Care Financing Committee Chairs urging them to move this bill forward. In addition to the committee chairs, if you live in the jurisdiction of a member of the committee, please write to that legislator personally.
The Committee on Healthcare Financing Complete Member List can be found HERE. If you are not sure who your legislators are, you can find that information at https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator
H.2985 Contact Information
House Chairs and Contact Info:
John Lawn, Chair – John.Lawn@mahouse.gov
Kathleen R. LaNatra, Vice-Chair – kathleen.lanatra@mahouse.gov
24 Beacon St., Room 236, Boston, MA 02133; (617) 722-2430
Senate Chairs and Contact Info:
Cindy Friedman, Chair – Cindy.Friedman@masenate.gov
John Cronin, Assistant Vice-Chair – John.Cronin@masenate.gov
24 Beacon Street, Room 313, Boston, MA 02133; 617-722-1432
Senate Bill S.1239
An Act to transfer Bridgewater State Hospital
from the Department of Corrections to the Department of Mental Health
S.1239 Status
While the Senate counterpart bill is not as far along in the legislative process, it requires further momentum to guarantee the implementation of this vital change.
S.1239 Call to Action
Please reach out to your state senators and request them to support and co-sponsor S.1239. Find your legislators here: https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator
In Summary
Massachusetts stands among the minority of states where justice-involved individuals who suffer from mental illness are not cared for in a facility overseen by the state’s Department of Mental Health. Let your voice be heard in advocating for Massachusetts to rectify this situation, promoting the dignity and welfare of this vulnerable population.
FFIMI is here to Help
Please utilize these template letters to support your outreach efforts. Email ffimi.inquiry@gmail.com if you have any questions.
Thank you for your support.
Family and Friends of Individuals with Mental Illness ~ Advocating for those who are Justice Involved 
Thank you so much to our FFIMI Editor for posting this important and crucial information. Lives of those who are vulnerable and suffering with a chronic mental illness will be vastly improved by passing Bill H.2985. Please consider taking action to support this bill.
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