FY19 State Budget includes funding for Medfield

State Representative Denise C. Garlick (D-Needham) and State Senator Paul R. Feeney (D-Bristol and Norfolk) are pleased to announce that the Town of Medfield will receive $30,000 in the FY19 State Budget.

A $30,000 state investment will assist the Town of Medfield through committed staff and volunteers to continue to provide the vital and important work of suicide prevention. “As a nurse, a legislator, and the Chair of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, I share a deep commitment to suicide prevention for people of all ages,” said State Representative Denise C. Garlick. “I sponsored an amendment recommended by Chief Meaney that will be a resource utilizing the QPR tool. This tool will provide the necessary training on how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to Question, Persuade, and Refer someone to help.

“I was proud to sponsor this amendment on the Senate side and commend Representative Garlick for championing this funding,” said State Senator Paul R. Feeney. "Mental Health issues have long been misunderstood and stigmatized and it is time for us to invest in solutions to the problem, rather than sweep it under the rug. These efforts will help to bring various stakeholders in our community together to educate and train others on the best practices for suicide prevention."

“The Medfield Suicide Prevention Coalition is extraordinarily pleased and thankful for Representative Denise Garlick’s efforts to secure this funding for our education, prevention, and strategic planning efforts,” said Police Chief Robert Meaney. “Representative Garlick has always been supportive of our citizens but especially those with mental health challenges.” Suicide and depression are very difficult issues to deal with and Medfield has made the decision to address it with a coalition made up of individuals representing community members, affected families, schools, faith based groups, public safety and mental health providers. “This funding is a huge boost to our efforts,” said Chief Meaney.

The Massachusetts Legislature voted on the final version of the state budget on July 18, 2018. The Governor has 10 days to review the budget and take action to either approve or veto the budget. The Governor may approve or veto the entire budget, veto or reduce specific line items, veto outside sections or submit changes as an amendment to the budget for further consideration by the Legislature.