By Dave Lucas
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-995151.mp3
Poughkeepsie, NY – A mental health facility in New York's Dutchess County is slated for closure early next year - affecting 375 workers and about 125 patients who will have to be moved elsewhere. Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Dave Lucas reports.
The Hudson River Psychiatric Center in Poughkeepsie will close in January, following a decision earlier this year by Governor Andrew Cuomo to make changes within The New York State Office of Mental Health - a restructuring needed in order to help close the 10 billion dollar state budget deficit.
The closure directly affects about 375 workers - CSEA Spokesperson Jessica Ladlee says Cuomo made it clear that consolidation into Rockland Psychiatric Center is priority. Ladlee notes that saving some jobs by moving them elsewhere comes with a price and that there is a continuing concern about future closures within state agencies.
There are more questions: such as to how the closure will affect the nearby Clearwater Community Residence, which has operated under the center's supervision. A former official at the Hudson River Psychiatric Center has expressed concerns that there be a detailed plan for sustaining ongoing support systems for people in need and assuring that services are in place before patients are released from the facility.
PEF's Darcy Wells says the people being cared for make up a very fragile community. Calls to management at the Hudson River Psychiatric Center were referred to the State Office of Mental Health. A spokeswoman responded by email, indicating she had no comment. She directed inquiries to the agency's public website.