In Bridgewater, MA, a personal struggle with the realities of mental illness compels a plea for change. Recognizing that mental illness should be treated with the same urgency and care as any other illness, there is an urgent need for a safe, therapeutic environment in which to treat patients. The current conditions at Bridgewater State Hospital are not only outdated and inadequate but also pose significant health risks due to unsanitary and toxic conditions.  

https://commonwealthbeacon.org/criminal-justice/pervasive-mold-plagues-state-hospital-for-mentally-ill-detainees/

Bridgewater State Hospital, once a beacon of hope for those seeking psychiatric care, is now in a state of disrepair. Over the years, the facility has deteriorated to the point where it can no longer provide the necessary care for its patients. Reports have surfaced highlighting the pervasive unsanitary conditions, structural disrepair, and toxic environment that patients and staff are forced to endure. These dire conditions prevent patients from receiving the necessary care and support essential to their recovery.

Studies have shown that therapeutic environments play a crucial role in the healing process for individuals with mental illness. Patients require a space where they feel safe, respected, and supported by a team of dedicated and caring professionals. However, the current state of Bridgewater State Hospital falls short of these basic standards. The continued use of this facility as it stands is a grave injustice to those who depend on it for their mental health needs. Patients have complained of resiratory illness.  

Investing in a new psychiatric hospital in Massachusetts  is not just a necessity—it's a moral obligation. Constructing a new, state-of-the-art facility will ensure that patients receive appropriate psychiatric care in an environment conducive to healing and recovery. This new facility would be designed with the latest advancements in mental health treatment, focusing on patient wellness and safety, and staffed with trained mental health professionals ready to provide compassionate care.

The redevelopment of psychiatric care infrastructure will not only cater to current demands but also prepare the community for future mental health needs, fostering a culture that treats seruous mental illness with the respect and importance it deserves.

Please sign this petition and share.  We are grateful for your support. 

Mental Illness Hurts Advocacy Group