Advocates plan protest over possible cuts in mental health

Advocates for the mentally ill are planning a large protest at the State House tomorrow amid fears of deep state budget cuts to the Department of Mental Health, which could threaten the lifeline of many of the state’s neediest, they said.

Gov. Deval Patrick is expected to announce by the end of the week how he will close an existing $600 million budget gap. Workers in the mental health field say they fear the governor will make cuts to the state’s clubhouse programs, which house job training, housing placement and education services for the mentally ill.