In July of 2024, the Mental Health Department was created and Josh Porter was hired for the role of Director of Mental Health for the Town of Middleborough. The department works with community members and town departments/employees in order to support those who have mental health or substance use challenges.
Josh has been primarily working with the Middleborough Police Department providing resources on calls requiring mental health services, including responding to those in crisis when needed. In addition, there is work being done to provide resources to the unsheltered population in the Middleborough community.
A mental health/opioid task force was created which is comprised of individuals from various town departments. During task force meetings, information is shared and systematic approaches are discussed.