Overview

Residents of Provincetown and the Outer Cape face significant challenges accessing specialized medical care, often having to travel long distances to Hyannis for essential treatments and services. This creates additional difficulties for those with chronic illnesses, disabilities, limited transportation, or financial constraints.

This petition calls on Outer Cape Health Services, Cape Cod Healthcare, and local and state officials to expand specialized healthcare services in Provincetown and the Outer Cape, including outpatient infusions, diagnostic services, and other care that can safely be provided locally. Healthcare accessibility should not be determined by where someone lives.

Full Text

Living in Provincetown, Massachusetts, I face a challenge that many in our community know all too well. As a resident managing Crohn's disease, I require infusion treatments. However, these treatments are only available at Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis, a lengthy journey that is not feasible without reliable transportation. My experience is not unique. Many residents of Provincetown and the Outer Cape face similar obstacles in accessing specialized medical care, which should be more accessible closer to home.

Outer Cape Health Services Provincetown Health Center & Pharmacy, located at 49 Harry Kemp Wy, Provincetown, MA 02657, provides essential healthcare services to our community. Yet, for specialized treatments and services, long-distance travel remains necessary. This barrier is particularly challenging for those needing recurring or time-sensitive medical care, and often leaves residents dependent on having a vehicle, finding a willing driver, or arranging costly alternative transportation.

To make healthcare more accessible, I urge Outer Cape Health Services, Cape Cod Healthcare, local and state officials, and other healthcare partners to evaluate and expand the range of specialized services available in Provincetown and the Outer Cape. This could encompass outpatient infusion treatments, additional specialty services, diagnostic services, and other forms of care that can be safely administered in a community setting.

I understand not every medical service can be moved to a community health center, as some procedures require comprehensive hospital facilities. However, there are undoubtedly services that can be appropriately provided locally, reducing the need for extensive travel and potential delay in care. This issue affects residents requiring ongoing care for various chronic illnesses and conditions, and can be particularly burdensome for those who do not drive, have disabilities, or possess limited financial resources.

Outer Cape Health Services already acknowledges the barriers caused by geographic isolation and transportation challenges. By broadening the range of accessible services locally, they can take a significant step in overcoming these barriers.

Supporting this petition means advocating for improved access to healthcare tailored to the needs of Provincetown and the Outer Cape. We ask healthcare organizations, community leaders, and government officials to collaborate in identifying and implementing feasible service expansions. Healthcare accessibility shouldn't be dictated by proximity. Join us in making specialized healthcare services a reality within our community. Sign this petition to express your support for better healthcare access in Provincetown and the Outer Cape.