BOSTON (AP) — State Auditor Suzanne Bump has approved a proposal from the state Department of Mental Health to privatize emergency mental health services in the department’s southeastern region.
The area includes Cape Cod and the Islands, Brockton, Fall River, Taunton and Attleboro.
Bump said Wednesday the change could save $7 million over one year.
Under the proposal, the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership will contract with Bay Cove Human Services, Inc., a Boston Medical Center subcontractor, and Community Counseling of Bristol County to provide the services.
The Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership already provides emergency mental health services in other regions.
Susan Tousignant, president of the Massachusetts Human Service Workers Union, described Bump’s decision as unconscionable and said it would “slash vital mental health and crisis intervention services.”
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