Mass. Advocates Say Money from Sale of Hospitals Should Go to Treatment

Massachusetts is planning to close three former state hospitals, and advocates contend that the revenues from those sales should be directed to addiction treatment and prevention programs, the State House News Service reported June 10.

“A lot of the kids, they go in for treatment and they’re trying to get treatment and there’s no beds available,” testified Somerville, Mass., resident Michael Sullivan before the state House’s Committee on Mental Health and Substance Abuse. “There’s absolutely no reason at all that an adolescent shouldn’t get a bed.”

The bill, H-1944, currently has 10 cosponsors, including Rep. Liz Malia, co-chair of the committee.