As the sounds of AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” echoed through the streets of Beacon Hill, a diverse group of individuals came together in front of the Statehouse in a powerful demonstration. The rally, coined “Care, Not Cuts,” was a response to Gov. Maura Healey’s proposed budget cuts that threatened to limit health services at Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children in Canton and Pocasset Mental Health Center on Cape Cod.
The night before the protest, Gov. Healey made a surprising announcement that she would be pausing plans to close these facilities. This decision came after facing significant backlash from staff members, parents, and advocates who believed these closures would have a detrimental impact on the community. Despite this pause, many individuals at Pappas expressed that the fight was far from over.
Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children serves a unique population of 36 patients between the ages of 7 to 22 with physical and cognitive disabilities. The outdated infrastructure and technology at Pappas have been a point of contention, but those who work there see the value in the care provided to the patients. Debbie Porter, a dedicated teacher at Pappas for 27 years, emphasized the importance of the facility in supporting the students and patients both now and in the future.
Kim Daley, an instructional support teacher at Pappas for 15 years, acknowledged the pause as a step in the right direction but stressed the need for continued advocacy to secure appropriate funding. Reflecting on the current situation, Daley highlighted the importance of ensuring that Pappas remains operational with the necessary resources.
During the rally, speakers from various organizations, including the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, Pappas, Pocasset Mental Health Center, and the Department of Mental Health, shared personal stories and underlined the crucial role these facilities play in their respective communities. Alanna Stanley, a nurse at Pocasset since 2016, expressed the urgent need to stop the proposed cuts to case management and allocate resources to improve the mental health system.
The rally also provided an opportunity for individuals to speak directly to legislators on the second floor of the Statehouse. Sen. Paul Feeney, a strong supporter of Pappas, praised the facility for its exceptional care and impact on patients and families. Parents of Pappas alums and the children themselves shared heartfelt testimonials about the invaluable services offered by the facility.
One particularly moving moment came when Alma Alisch took the stage with her son Billy, who has cerebral palsy, sitting by her side in his wheelchair. Alisch shared the challenges her family faced before Billy’s admission to Pappas in 2016, emphasizing the transformative impact of the facility on his life. Billy, who enjoys recreational activities and writing, even penned a book about his late father on the day of the rally.
In an interview, Alisch expressed that the pause in closure plans was not sufficient, emphasizing the unwavering determination of the community to continue advocating for these vital services. The resilience and passion displayed by individuals at the rally underscored the deep-rooted commitment to preserving essential healthcare resources for those in need. The fight for “Care, Not Cuts” continues, fueled by a shared dedication to ensuring the well-being of all individuals who rely on these critical facilities for support.
