Molinaro, left, and Dr. Glatt
POUGHKEEPSIE – Dutchess County officially opened its stabilization
center, a 24/7, non-medical, voluntary, walk-in center for individuals
experiencing crisis resulting from mental health or substance abuse issues.
The center is housed with the county Department of Behavioral and Community
Health mental health division offices in Poughkeepsie.
County Executive Marcus Molinaro told a grand opening ceremony on Thursday
that the facility is “an innovative partnership” with several
community health agencies that is unique in the state.
“We will have all mental health services available for individuals
dealing with mental illness, living through addiction, 24-hours-a-day,
seven days a week,” he said. “We are quite proud of this integrated
response. We will help save lives and in the process help divert individuals
from the emergency room and jail.”
County Legislature Chairman Dale Borchert said the county is “Leading
New York State with our approach to addressing mental health issues.”
The stabilization centers a collaborative effort with several contributing
community partners including MidHudson Regional Hospital, Mid-Hudson Addiction
Recovery Center, Astor Services for Children and Families, and PEOPLe,
Inc. MidHudson Regional, a member of the Westchester Medical Center Health
Network, has provided over $100,000 in financial support for the center
and provides four full-time staff for the center’s operations.
The center was dedicated on Thursday to Dr. Kenneth Glatt, the long-time
commissioner of Mental Hygiene for his 35 years of service to the county
before he retired in May 2015.
