In light of the urgent concerns in the Disability Law Center’s report, NAMI Massachusetts calls for the following:
 
The Department of Corrections and Wellpath must immediately improve conditions at Bridgewater State Hospital so that the individuals are treated humanely, with dignity, respect, and safety. It is necessary to resolve the conflicting reports between DLC and DOC by focusing on the experience of the individual at BSH.

Oversight of Bridgewater State Hospital should be transferred from the Department of Corrections to the Department of Mental Health .

The DMH is the appropriate agency to oversee a public psychiatric hospital. Whether or not daily operations remain outsourced to a private agency, having BSH under DMH oversight will create cleaner lines of accountability and a stronger framework for treatment and support rather than punishment.

Massachusetts must improve the availability of mental health supports in the community. While there may always be a need for a facility like Bridgewater State Hospital for certain cases, many of the situations that led to commitment at BSH might have been averted had the individuals been able to access appropriate crisis response and supports for their mental health earlier.

We must eliminate wait-times for community mental health services, expand cultural and linguistic responsiveness, and create a robust and accessible continuum of support that includes outreach, crisis response, peer and family support, and early intervention programs.

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