March 2, 2025

Rallying for Health Care: Workers Unite to Save State-Run Hospitals

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News Summary

Hundreds of health care workers, families, and advocates held a rally at the State House to protest proposed budget cuts by Governor Maura Healey. Their collective efforts aimed to save crucial facilities such as the Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children and the Pocasset Mental Health Center from closure. The rousing event under the slogan ‘Cares Not Cuts’ underscored the community’s commitment to ensuring access to vital health care services amidst ongoing budgetary challenges. With significant concerns about mental health case management cuts, participants called for better funding and support.

Health Care Heroes Unite to Save Vital Services!

In a show of solidarity and determination, hundreds of health care workers, labor union members, and families of patients gathered at the State House to voice their concerns over proposed budget cuts by Governor Maura Healey. This rally was fueled by the passionate desire to keep essential facilities like the Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children in Canton and the Pocasset Mental Health Center on Cape Cod open for business.

Cares Not Cuts!

The rally, held under the catchy slogan Cares Not Cuts, took place just before Governor Healey announced that she would pause her controversial plans to close these facilities. The decision came after an outpouring of public discontent, igniting a fervor among Bay State residents who feared for the accessibility of crucial health services in their communities.

Rallying for the Future of Health Care

Attendees wielded colorful signs bearing messages like “Save Our Children” and “Health Care is a Human Right”, reminding everyone present of the fundamental need for accessible health services. Among the participants were three wheelchair-bound patients from Pappas, illustrating just how essential the hospital is for children with severe disabilities.

What’s Next for the Governor and Health Care?

In light of the rally, Governor Healey’s administration has pledged to conduct a thorough review of the care provided at both hospitals, with an emphasis on gathering insights from stakeholders. Yet, the plans to cut the number of Department of Mental Health (DMH) case managers from 340 to 170 remain unchanged. This decision will ripple through the community, potentially cutting off over 4,000 individuals from vital services and preventing about 2,000 new clients from receiving the support they desperately need.

A Costly Choice?

This proposed reduction of case managers aims to save the state approximately $12.4 million as detailed in the fiscal year 2026 budget. However, many advocates argue that slashing these positions will simply strain the remaining staff, subsequently affecting the quality of care that patients and families rely on.

Budget Concerns and Future Impacts

House Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz recently expressed the need for a more in-depth examination of Governor Healey’s budget proposal. The call for introspection comes amid mounting pressure from advocates who suggest using the state’s nearly $9 billion rainy day fund to stave off cuts in health care services, which have already faced challenges since the pandemic began.

Previous Closures and Current Needs

Previous hospital closures across the state, including facilities in Dorchester and Ayer, have sparked significant worries about an ongoing shortage of mental health beds. Despite rising demand for mental health support, especially after the pandemic, Healey’s budget plans include drastic cuts, which many see as counterproductive to communal well-being.

A Ripple Effect on Care

The Pappas hospital currently cares for 36 patients, with plans to transfer them to alternative settings over the next six to nine months. Meanwhile, the Pocasset Mental Health Center stands out as one of just two inpatient psychiatric units on Cape Cod, providing critical services for individuals of all ages battling severe mental illnesses.

A Bright Spot or Dark Times Ahead?

Nurses at Pocasset are concerned that the potential closures of facilities like theirs will only aggravate the existing shortage of acute care beds in the state. Activists passionately argued for keeping investments in care services instead of implementing cuts that could endanger vulnerable populations.

Looking Forward

The timeline for Governor Healey’s review of the facilities and her next steps remains uncertain as her administration considers engaging with stakeholders. Participants in the rally emphasized that slashing DMH case managers now could lead to an overflow of individuals in crisis, ultimately resulting in more people ending up in emergency rooms or even jail.

Community Action for Change

The stunning turnout at the rally shows just how deeply people care about the fate of health care services in their communities. With many individuals rallying together, there is hope that their voices will be heard in this crucial debate over the future of health care in the state.