January 28, 2005

 

 

The Honorable Thomas P. Morahan

New York State Senator

158 Airport Executive Park
Nanuet, NY 10954
 

 

Dear Senator Morahan:

 

On behalf of the Joint Membership of Health and Community Agencies (JMHCA) I want to take this opportunity to convey our concern in regard to the executive budget recommendation to close the Middletown Psychiatric Center (MPC).  As you are aware, Governor Pataki has proposed similar action over the last four years, however, this year there are significant changes in his proposal.  JMHCA has begun discussion with Chris Ashman, Commissioner of the Orange County Department of Mental Health, regarding his vision as well as his point of view regarding the proposed closing. 

 

JMHCA is a federation of 18 agencies providing mental health, substance abuse and developmental disability services in Orange County since 1975.  Our combined workforce is close to 3,000 individuals and our annual budgets total approximately 115 million dollars serving several thousand individuals.  Our mission is to provide the residents of Orange County with a comprehensive and seamless service delivery system for recovery, health and wellness.   

 

            Over the years JMHCA members, the County and MPC have worked collaboratively addressing the mental health needs of Orange County residents and we believe that under the leadership of Commissioner Ashman and the visionary perspective of Jim Bopp, Executive Director of MPC, once again we are going to address the current challenges in an effective manner.  Most recently, we have started to explore options to partner with MPC in regard to the Housing Resource Alliance, a collaborative venture sponsored by JMHCA that targets improvement of access to Orange County residents to housing alternatives. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Action Toward Independence

Epilepsy Foundation of Southern NY, Inc.

O.R.M.C  Arden Hill Campus

Alcohol & Drug Abuse Council of Orange County

Farm Workers Community Center

PIUS XII Youth & Family Services

Association for the Help of Retarded Citizens

Independent Living Inc.

Regional Economic Community Action Programs

Bon Secours Hospital

Mental Health Association in Orange County, Inc.

Rehabilitation Support Services, Inc.

Crystal Run Village, Inc.

Occupations, Inc.

Restorative Management Corp.

Emergency Housing Group, Inc.

Orange County Housing Consortium

Warwick Area Migrant Committee, Inc.

 

 

It is important, however, to recognize the expertise of community agencies as well as their experience as a resource to play a key role in discussions and planning about the future of MPC.  Consideration of support of these resources and the extensive number of employees of our local agencies needs to be considered along with support of the Psychiatric Center staff.  We are confident that good plans can be developed that will address the needs of the people we collectively serve while supporting the local and state labor force.  As major service providers in Orange County, decisions regarding MPC will have a great impact on how JMHCA members continue to operate in serving our community and ensure the people of Orange County receive the highest quality services.

 

We know that the New York State Legislature will be engaged in active discussion about the proposed closing of MPC.  It is for the above reasons that we are asking you to pause and further review the proposed changes, and to hear from the County as well as community agencies regarding the decision you are facing as well as opportunities for collaboration. 

 

If you would like to discuss this issue further I can be contacted at (845) 342-2216 or at nclimes@warwick.net.  Thank you.

 

                                                                        Sincerely,

 

 

 

 

                                                                        Nolly Climes

                                                                        President, JMHCA