POUGHKEEPSIE – The Dutchess County Department of Behavioral and Community Health (DBCH) met with members of the Dutchess County Legislature’s Budget, Finance and Personnel Committee this afternoon, presenting information and answering questions about DBCH’s 2019 budget as part of the ongoing Legislative review of County Executive Marcus Molinaro’s 2019 County Budget proposal.
DBCH highlighted initiatives and plans for the coming year, providing details about, among other efforts, the County’s ongoing “Breaking Through” initiative, which eliminates the stigma surrounding substance abuse and mental illness, encouraging individuals living with those issues to take part in the County’s myriad services and programs, leading them toward recovery.
In addition to continuing the County’s life-saving “Breaking Through” initiative, other DBCH initiatives Commissioner A.K. Vaidian, MD, MPH outlined for legislators included: increased Citizen’s Preparedness and “Stop the Bleed” training sessions, presented by the Medical Reserve Corps of Dutchess County; the creation of a coalition of local schools, community-based organizations and public health providers to formulate effective ways to reduce the rates of sexually transmitted diseases; and outreach, education and provider training to maintain and improve measles vaccination rates to prevent outbreaks seen in neighboring counties.
“The health and safety of Dutchess County residents is our top priority, and safeguarding our residents’ health – both their physical and mental well-being – is a grave task our Department of Behavioral and Community Health takes seriously,” said County Executive Molinaro. “The opioid epidemic is unlike any other public health crisis seen in our lifetime, and Dutchess County must continue ‘Breaking Through’ the stigma of addiction and providing services and programs that save lives. We must also maintain the high-quality services that keep County residents as healthy as possible, while continuing to create innovative programs that combat emerging public health threats.”
Molinaro’s 2019 budget proposal looks to continue the unique and inventive services and programs Dutchess County offers those living with addiction.
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