The Massachusetts Disability Law Center has released a new report on Bridgewater State Hospital (BHS).
BSH is the only state hospital run by a state corrections agency in the country.
People held in their psychiatric facility are housed in unairconditioned prison cells where they are forced to stay for at least 9 1/2 hours per day. Mold is pervasive throughout the facility and violent restraints and forced drugging are common.
H.3291/S.1386, An Act transferring Bridgewater State Hospital from the Department of Correction to the Department of Mental Health’ is currently being considered and would dramatically improve some of the worst conditions.
QUOTES FROM THE REPORT:
“I’ve seen the conditions of the vents and black mold. I’ve seen the condition of the buildings and they’re in shambles. It needs to be condemned.” – former BSH patient
“I just calmed down over this one hour ago and now you’re coming in with a riot suit on and roughly inject me?” – BSH patient, describing forced drugging incident
“Uninhabitable, Claustrophobic. I’m in a cage” – Current BSH patient
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