Stabilization Center Proves a Valuable Resource
In 18 months since opening, the Dutchess County Stabilization Center has become an invaluable community resource and an envied model for addressing mental health and substance abuse issues across New York. The Stabilization Center is a walk-in facility that provides a safe, comfortable and welcoming alternative to hospital emergency departments for people feeling overwhelmed by mental health, substance use or other life issues, including emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and intoxication. The center’s construction was part of Phase I of renovation and expansion of Dutchess County’s Mental Health Campus at 230 North Road in Poughkeepsie.
The Stabilization Center is a unique collaboration of community-based behavioral healthcare partners, including Mental Health America, PEOPLE Inc., Astor and MARC, available 24 hours a day for individuals experiencing an acute behavioral health episode – individuals are assessed and stabilized, then connected to community-based programs and supports for immediate, ongoing care.
Phase I also included the relocation of Dutchess County’s existing 24-hour response services, including HELPLINE and the Mobile Crisis Intervention Team (MCIT), as well as the County’s Partial Hospitalization Program, an acute, short-term, outpatient, day program designed to reduce hospital length of stay or avoid hospitalization altogether. Other work included a new training room for over 100 people, and a temporary solution to address the increased number of people participating in Medication Assisted Treatment.
The Stabilization Center, and Dutchess County’s wide array of services have attracted interest from communities across New York seeking solutions to address issues in their own locales, particularly the opioid epidemic. Many communities seek to replicate Dutchess County’s renowned efforts, but face challenges of leadership, funding and, importantly, a location their residents are willing to support.
Dutchess County is particularly fortunate to have this ideal campus location in Poughkeepsie, centrally located in Dutchess’ major population center, easily accessible by public transportation. However, we faced our own challenges building the Stabilization Center and undertaking the renovations. The County Legislature authorized $4.8 million in funding for Phase I and Phase II plans for the campus. Additional dollars came from authorized HVAC repair funding of approximately $800K and $400K for asbestos abatement. Complexities of renovating an older building meant Phase I cost significantly more than planned, approximately $5.5 million, leaving just over $500K for Phase II.
Despite increased costs, Phase I has been a vital investment. Since opening, more than 2,200 individuals and their families have made over 3,500 visits to the Stabilization Center for help with various mental health issues, particularly opioid abuse. The center has been a valuable resource for young people and their families for help dealing with anxiety, stress, depression and other mental health concerns, as evidenced by an increased number of youth visits following the shooting tragedy in Parkland, Florida. It has also enabled law enforcement, now more attuned to mental health issues thanks to our Crisis Intervention Training, and the MCIT to bring individuals with behavioral health or substance abuse issues to the Center for immediate assistance and services to de-escalate the crisis, diverting them from costly emergency rooms visits or jail cells.
The training room has been much-needed community asset, providing spacious and modern facilities for a wide variety of information and training sessions, including mental health forums, Mental Health First Aid, and Narcan training; more than 3,500 individuals have gained life-saving knowledge there.
With the need for Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) service more than doubling, an expanded medication dispensary has been built in partnership with Lexington Center for Recovery, utilizing grant funding to ensure we serve all those who need this effective treatment. Eighty-five percent of those in the MAT program has discontinued illegal opioid use, and more than 60 percent have maintained or improved their employment, successfully managing their addiction, living quality lives and personifying the program’s efficacy.
The results seen so far are impressive and we must continue to develop this campus to ensure a complete continuum of care. The next phases will include space expansion for Hudson Valley Mental Health, relocation and redesign of Lexington’s Methadone Program to be a self-contained unit, and the relocation of our clinic services on-site. These phases will be designed utilizing the remaining $500K, and we will seek capital investment support from the State.
Dutchess County is setting the standard for mental health and substance abuse care for New York. We appreciate the support of our work and look forward to continued support from our elected officials, community partners and residents as we continue to assist all those who need it.
This “Valley View” column is available to read and share on the Poughkeepsie Journal’s website.
