Coalition to state panel: Western New York Psychiatric plan a ‘huge step backward’ BUFFALO — CSEA activists and their coalition allies recently appeared before a panel of state officials to fight the state’s plans to close Western New York Children’s Psychiatric Center in West Seneca and move the young patients to the adult Buffalo Psychiatric Center. Community members who are vehemently opposed to the state’s plans took their argument before a panel of mostly state officials in early September. Union activists and coalition partners, including elected officials, family members of patients and other community members, have ramped up their opposition to the closure in recent months. Despite fierce community opposition to the plan, part of the governor’s “Centers of Excellence” initiative, state officials are now proceeding with the closure, which had been previously delayed by last-minute state budget changes. State officials maintain that the closure and move would not only save $4 million, but would allow increased opportunities for mental health services and programs. But coalition partners, health care advocates and community stakeholders are strongly opposed to the state’s plan, which they say would be harmful to the children receiving mental health treatment at Western New York Psychiatric Center, which offers an environment and services designed specifically for children. Public mental health services for children has been a hot-button concern for CSEA members and their community allies in Long Island as well. The state’s Centers of Excellence plan has also called for the closure of Sagamore Children’s Psychiatric Center. Strong community efforts to keep that facility open have stalled the state’s closure plans, though the long-term future of Sagamore remains a question. In Western New York, CSEA activists and community members are concerned that state officials are not listening to their concerns. CSEA Western New York DDSO Local President Tom Weston, whose local includes Western New York Psychiatric Center, told panel members that they were trying to fix something that isn’t broken. “Entire families will ultimately suffer if this plan goes through,” Weston said. “This is about our families — it will break them apart. The children under our care will be less safe if you make this move. And from the care providers’ and workers’ perspective, this will not save taxpayers one dime and is a huge step backward. This plan is so foolish, it’s beyond description.” — Ove Overmyer “Entire families will ultimately suffer if this plan goes through. This is about our families—it will break them apart. The children under our care will be less safe if you make this move. And from the care providers’ and workers’ perspective, this will not save taxpayers one dime and is a huge step backward. This plan is so foolish, it’s beyond description.” — Tom Weston, CSEA WNY DDSO Local President Davino is PEOPLE Recruiter of the Month Pat Davino of the Oyster Bay Local in the Long Island Region is the PEOPLE Recruiter of the Month for August. With the help of Betsy Healey, he Davino has recruited nine new PEOPLE members. “Corporations are trying to cut costs by taking away the benefits that its employees deserve,” Davino said. “It’s up to us to make sure they don’t succeed.” “We can’t lose our voice,” Healey said. “Everybody needs to understand how important this is.” CSEA’s PEOPLE program protects and improves our jobs, benefits and pensions in Washington, Albany and in your community. Your support and participation in PEOPLE strengthens CSEA’s clout in the workplace, in the legislature, in your community and in the labor movement. — Wendi Bowie At the union’s booth at the New York State Fair, CSEA President Danny Donohue presents a certificate of appreciation to Central Region Communications Specialist Mark Kotzin to recognize his 25th year of coordinating the union’s participation at the fair. Dozens of CSEA members volunteer at the booth each year to help make the fair a success. From left are booth volunteer Natalie Radford, Kotzin, Donohue and booth volunteer Laurie Hoalcraft. The fair welcomes about 1 million visitors in its 12 day run. 8 The Work Force October 2015
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