Lawmaker Wants To Expand Services At Taunton State

State Rep. Chris Markey of Dartmouth wants the state to expand services at Taunton State Hospital.  Right now,  there are a small number of beds there to serve the mentally ill. 

Rep. Markey thinks Taunton State would also be a great place to offer serves for women with addiction issues.  There is no state facility providing those services in Massachusetts, outside of the Corrections system. 

Markey tells WBSM News, putting addiction services at Taunton State makes sense....

Markey says he's attempting to build support for the idea on Beacon Hill. 

Governor Patrick wants to close Taunton State Hospital, and shift those mental health beds to a new hospital in Worcester. 

Markey and other members of the delegation want to keep those beds in Southeastern Mass., and expand services at the Taunton site, to keep the facility open.