Author: FFIMI

July 30th DLC Report Calls for Transfer of Bridgewater State Hospital to the Department of Mental Health IMMEDIATELY

FFIMI

Below is the press released shared by DLC on July 30, 2024. Today, the Disability Law Center (DLC) released a public report discussing findings and recommendations from its intensive monitoring of Bridgewater State Hospital (BSH) from January to June 2024. As Massachusetts’ Protection and Advocacy agency, DLC has federal authority to monitor facility conditions and… Continue reading July 30th DLC Report Calls for Transfer of Bridgewater State Hospital to the Department of Mental Health IMMEDIATELY

It’s past time to move Bridgewater State Hospital out of the Department of Correction

FFIMI

Massachusetts must stop mistreatment of people with mental illness Reposted from CommonWealth Beacon May, 13, 2024 by Summer Maxwell The report released in March condemning Bridgewater State Hospital —Massachusetts’s state psychiatric facility — felt more like a broken record than a revelation. The 87-page document outlined issues that have plagued the facility for years, including… Continue reading It’s past time to move Bridgewater State Hospital out of the Department of Correction

Hear our Voices

FFIMI

Why BSH Need to be Moved to the Department of Mental Health Hear Our Voices is a dramatic portrayal inspired by the real-life experiences of individuals residing at Bridgewater State Hospital (BSH) in Massachusetts. Crafted by an author intimately familiar with BSH and informed by the accounts of individuals with serious mental illness who have… Continue reading Hear our Voices

A Mission of Hope

FFIMI

Exciting. Exhilarating. Energizing. This is the enthusiastic response of Sheriff Donna Buckley, the first female sheriff ever elected to Barnstable County, describing her mission to serve the community, families, and incarcerated individuals. She also carries a sense of solemn responsibility with a forward-thinking vision and a strong determination to ‘get it done’. Her goals are… Continue reading A Mission of Hope

Support Keeping Families Connected – Contact Your State Rep before May 8th

FFIMI

At Families and Friends of Incarcerated Individuals (FFIMI), we intimately understand the significance of maintaining strong bonds with our loved ones who are incarcerated, as well as the considerable barriers hindering this connection.  That is why we have previously shared about a bill to lift many restrictions on visiting loved ones who are incarcerated, and… Continue reading Support Keeping Families Connected – Contact Your State Rep before May 8th

Your crucial support is needed to advocate for transferring Bridgewater State Hospital to the Department of Mental Health, where it rightfully belongs

FFIMI

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… Continue reading Your crucial support is needed to advocate for transferring Bridgewater State Hospital to the Department of Mental Health, where it rightfully belongs

Yet Again: Disability Law Center Finds Inadequate Access to Treatment, Mold Contamination, and Unlawful Restraint Practices at Bridgewater State Hospital Persist

FFIMI

With another reporting period closed, DLC repeats our urgent call for the Commonwealth to transfer oversight of the BSH population from DOC to DMH and to construct a new psychiatric hospital. Both of these reforms are essential to protect the health, safety, and rights of PS. Efforts to patch BSH’s deteriorating physical plant and gradually… Continue reading Yet Again: Disability Law Center Finds Inadequate Access to Treatment, Mold Contamination, and Unlawful Restraint Practices at Bridgewater State Hospital Persist

Helpful MassHealth Resource: Behavioral Health-Justice Involved (BH-JI)

FFIMI

What is BH-JI?  BH-JI is a MassHealth program that helps people leaving jail or prison, people who have recently left jail or prison, people on parole, and people on probation to connect with behavioral health services and social supports in the community. BH-JI is a partnership between the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human… Continue reading Helpful MassHealth Resource: Behavioral Health-Justice Involved (BH-JI)

New MassHealth Stakeholder Group for Justice-Involved: Community Feedback Forum for Health & Justice

FFIMI

Exciting news-- EOHSS just released a Notice calling for applications to serve on a new stakeholder advisory council, the Community Feedback Forum for Health & Justice. This group will advise MassHealth on the pending 1115 Demonstration and its proposal to cover health services 90 days before release. This is an exciting opportunity for justice-involved individuals to use their voice and unique perspective… Continue reading New MassHealth Stakeholder Group for Justice-Involved: Community Feedback Forum for Health & Justice

Advocating for Improved Mental Health Services in Massachusetts Prisons: FFIMI Applauds Senators Warren and Markey’s Efforts

FFIMI

A Call to Oppose Wellpath's Contract Renewal in Massachusetts FFIMI commends Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey for addressing Wellpath's deficiencies as the Healthcare Provider for Massachusetts prisons. In a joint letter, the senators emphasized urgent improvements needed in the current healthcare system. Please refer to Senator Markey's press release here: Senators Markey, Warren, Durbin, Ossoff, Lawmakers… Continue reading Advocating for Improved Mental Health Services in Massachusetts Prisons: FFIMI Applauds Senators Warren and Markey’s Efforts