Lobbying yields progress on OCFS, OMH closures

CSEA Rockland Psychiatric Center Local Executive Vice President Tyjuana Parker reads words of support from State Sen. Samra Brouk, chair of the Senate Mental Health Committee, during a recent news conference attended by union activists, state legislators and other advocates, including, from left, Assemblymember Aileen Gunther, chair of the Assembly Mental Health Committee; CSEA Southern Region President Anthony Adamo; Assemblymember Mike Lawler and State Sen. Elijah Reichlin-Melnick, far right in black coat.

With the proposed state budget including closures of Rockland Children’s Psychiatric Center, Goshen Secure Center and Red Hook Residential Center, CSEA Southern Region activists have been working to stop these harmful cuts.

As this edition went to press, those efforts were paying off, with both legislative houses restoring funding for these facilities.

Activists garnered support from state lawmakers in the region, holding online meetings with Senate and Assembly members to speak about the harmful impact closures would have on the individuals in their care.

CSEA leaders also joined lawmakers at two news conferences aimed at raising awareness about the closure proposals. Southern Region President Anthony Adamo joined CSEA members from Goshen Secure Center at a news conference held outside the facility, organized by State Sen. Mike Martucci.

CSEA Southern Region President Anthony Adamo speaks out against the proposed closure of Goshen Secure Center at a recent news conference also attended by union activists; state legislators; Orange County officials and Goshen Secure Center staff.

Along with leaders from the Rockland Psychiatric Center Local, Adamo joined Senate and Assembly members for a news conference organized by State Sen. Elijah Reichlin-Melnick, held on property adjacent to the Rockland Children’s Psychiatric Center.

“We’re grateful for the bipartisan support we’ve received from our state lawmakers,” said Adamo. “Once word of these proposed closures got out, residents made it clear that they don’t want these resources taken out of our communities. The common concern we keep hearing, both for the OCFS and OMH facilities, is the increased distance families will have to travel in order to visit their loved ones. People understand that this isn’t just bad for the workers and the communities, but will also have a seriously detrimental effect on the people we’re supposed to be helping.”

— Jessica Ladlee