Contact: Jim McManus
(617) 523-0038
Statement in Response to OSHA citation
As providers, consumers, and advocates for community-based mental health services, we are extremely disappointed at the language and many of the recommendations contained in the citation announced today by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
OSHA’s citation reveals a profound bias against individuals living with mental illness and a striking lack of understanding of the day-to-day workings of community-based programs that work to help individuals achieve recovery.Many of OSHA’s recommendations are contrary to the ideal of the Patrick Administration’s Community First initiative and the United States Supreme Court’s Olmstead decision which rightfully asserts that individuals with disabilities should live as independently as possible in community settings.
It is unfortunate that OSHA did not consult with their colleagues in other federal agencies including the Department of Justice and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration before issuing this citation. OSHA’s recommendations are contrary to the efforts of their federal colleagues who are working to ensure that individuals with disabilities, including individuals with mental illness, have every opportunity to receive services, support and the opportunity for recovery in the community.
As a direct response to the death of Stephanie Moulton, the Commonwealth brought together many individuals of different backgrounds and perspectives to deliberate on staff and client safety in the community. The Task Force report, issued at the end of June, contains many balanced, common-sense recommendations that will address many of the systemic issues raised by the murder of Stephanie Moulton in January. The report also takes into account the fact that years of budget cuts have adversely affected the provision of mental health services in Massachusetts.
As a group, we believe the OSHA citation should be reviewed and revised to acknowledge that individuals living with a mental illness are not inherently violent and to reflect a more thoughtful and appropriate set of actions to address safety concerns at community-based mental health programs.
Vicker DiGravio, President and CEO
Association for Behavioral Healthcare
Gary Blumenthal, President and CEO
Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers
Erin Bradley, Director
Children's Mental Health Campaign
Donald Condie, M.D., President
Massachusetts Psychiatric Society
Deborah Delman, Executive Director
The Transformation Center
Daniel Fisher, M.D., Ph.D., Executive Director
National Empowerment Center
Maryanne Frangules, Executive Director
Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery
Alan Kerzin, Executive Director
Disability Law Center
David Matteodo, Executive Director
Massachusetts Association of Behavioral Health Systems
David P. McAllister, Assistant Executive Director
Massachusetts Mental Health Counselors Association
Tim O'Leary, Deputy Director
Massachusetts Association for Mental Health
Reva Stein, Executive Director
Massachusetts Clubhouse Coalition
Barbara Talkov, Executive Director
The Children’s League of Massachusetts
Marylou Sudders, President and CEO
Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (MSPCC)
Michael Weekes, President and CEO
The Providers' Council
Carol J. Trust, LICSW, Executive Director
National Association of Social Workers - MA Chapter