Massachusetts officials are acting to address significant gaps in mental health crisis response within the state’s hill towns. The state budget now includes $250,000 to form a task force focused on alternative response strategies for emergency calls. This development follows reports of call response times exceeding one hour in areas like Hinsdale, where short-staffed departments have relied heavily on state police assistance.
Governor Maura Healey stated that increasing funding for community-based behavioral health centers is a primary objective. These facilities provide accessible care options to reduce the strain on traditional law enforcement intervention. The governor emphasized the need for continued training for officers to better handle situations involving mental health crises in the community.
This initiative gained momentum after a fatal police-involved shooting in Hinsdale earlier this year. The family of the man killed in that incident continues to advocate for the presence of trained mental health professionals during emergency calls. They argue that calling for help should not lead to a fatal outcome and demand more accountability from local leadership.
Acting Chief Bruce Cullett of the Hinsdale department confirmed that the local force remains understaffed and struggles to maintain 24-hour operations. The department is currently in discussions to join the Berkshire Regional Emergency Communications Center to improve service coordination. Meetings are scheduled for early September to address these structural challenges.
The Brien Center is expected to participate in the upcoming planning sessions to assist in expanding available regional resources. While officials finalize the implementation plan for the new funding, local community members remain focused on the need for tangible changes in how emergency systems manage mental health incidents.