Commissioners Advocate to Preserve Pocasset Mental Health Center Services
The Board also Seeks to Reconcile Conflicts with the Affordable Homes Act and the Cape Cod National Seashore that could hurt Lower Cape Homeowners
February 5, 2025 (Barnstable, MA) – The Barnstable County Commissioners met today to address the proposed closure of Pocasset Mental Health Center contained in the Governor’s FY26 budget and to discuss the impact on Cape Cod’s strained behavioral health system. Pocasset MHC is the only state-run psychiatric facility on Cape Cod. The County Commissioners stressed the need to preserve its services and want to correct reports of the services being underutilized.
Later in the meeting the Commissioners discussed taking an active role in protecting homeowners living within the Cape Cod National Seashore from conflicting zoning provisions in the Massachusetts Affordable Homes Act that could harm them.
Commissioners and Assembly Unite to Oppose Pocasset MHC Closure and Advocate to Preserve Critical Mental Health Services
Joe Pacheco, Director of Human Services; Mandy Speakman, Deputy Director of Human Services; Barbara Dominic, Children’s Behavioral Health Consultant; and Assembly of Delegates Deputy Speaker Dan Gessen joined the Commissioners to discuss the proposed closure of Pocasset Mental Health Center and the proposed 50% statewide reduction of DMH caseworkers. Commissioners expressed deep concern over the impact of these cuts, emphasizing that Pocasset MHC is the only state-run psychiatric hospital on Cape Cod and operates at full capacity nearly every day.
Mr. Pacheco indicated that closing Pocasset would force more patients off Cape, further straining families, first responders, and emergency departments. He rejected claims that the facility is underutilized, pointing to the 99.4% occupancy rate of its 16 beds.
“The behavioral health system is already strained, and we should not be talking about closing and eliminating vital community services such as the Pocasset Mental Health Center. We should be talking about its potential expansion,” said Mr. Pacheco.
Deputy Speaker Gessen briefed the Commissioners on a resolution to be discussed by the Assembly of Delegates which will oppose the closure and urge state officials to reconsider.
The Commissioners voted to authorize a joint letter with the Assembly to be sent to Governor Maura Healey and state legislators, advocating for the continued operation of Pocasset MHC and preservation of DMH case management services.
Commissioner Mark Forest noted he was in contact with the Governor’s Office and offered the County’s help to facilitate a dialogue between advocates and service providers in Barnstable County and officials at DMH. “We understand the fiscal pressures on the state. The County wants to work with the Governor, her staff, and our legislative delegation to help them better understand the need for this facility and to review all options,” said Mr. Forest. The Commissioners agreed that facilitating these conversations and advocating for those in need of these services is an important role for the County. They also stressed the need for a coordinated effort among local mental health professionals, law enforcement, and community members to make a strong case to state officials and “speak with one voice”.
Protecting the Cape Cod National Seashore
The Commissioners also discussed the potential impact of the Massachusetts Affordable Homes Act on the Cape Cod National Seashore, emphasizing concerns that the new law which permits by-right construction of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) but does not account for the Seashore’s existing zoning restrictions mandated under federal law. Under the current situation, any homeowner who constructs an ADU on a home within the Cape Cod National Seashore may be subject to condemnation by the National Park Service. To address this oversight, the Commissioners voted to authorize the County Administrator to engage with special counsel to explore potential remedies, including legislation that would protect homeowners and safeguard the Seashore’s long-standing protections.
Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Planning
The commissioners voted to postpone discussion of the County’s FY26 operating budget to allow time for a further review. A vote on the proposed FY26 operating budget will take place at the next Commissioners meeting on 2/12/25. As part of the annual budget process the proposed will then be submitted to the Assembly of Delegates for its consideration.
Continuum of Care Grant Award
Barnstable County’s Human Services Department secured a $2,716,536 federal Continuum of Care grant, marking the largest single award the region has received. The funding represents a nearly 10% increase from the previous year and supports critical services, including the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and programs for survivors of domestic violence in partnership with Independence House. Commissioners commended the department’s efforts and emphasized the importance of securing grant agreements promptly to protect against potential changes in federal funding.
Charter Review Committee Appointment
Continuing their discussion from last week, the Barnstable County Commissioners revisited their role in the Assembly of Delegates’ Charter Review process. Commissioner Sheila Lyons volunteered to serve as the Commissioners’ designee to the Charter Review Committee.
About Barnstable County Regional Government of Cape Cod
Barnstable County provides exemplary government functions and services to keep our community healthy and safe, promote sustainable growth, and offer a proactive, open government that enhances the quality of life for the citizens of Barnstable County. Learn more at www.capecod.gov.
Media Contact: Sonja Sheasley. Communications Coordinator | (508) 375-6896 | sonja.sheasley@capecod.gov
