Public Invited to Discuss Services for Individuals Living
with Alcohol or Substance Use and Addiction
County to hold a public forum on Thursday, April 11th at 5:30 p.m.
Poughkeepsie, NY … The Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health (DBCH) will hold a public forum on Thursday, April 11, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., to discuss services and programs in Dutchess County for people who have been impacted by or are living with addiction. The forum will be held in the DBCH training room at 230 North Road in Poughkeepsie. Families and caregivers are especially encouraged to attend, and all input received at the forum will help shape the County’s 2020 Local Governmental Plan for service delivery.
The forum is part of Dutchess County’s “Breaking Through” initiative, which encourages the community to break through the stigma of, and talk openly about, substance use, so no one ever feels ashamed or afraid to admit they, or someone they love, is suffering or in need of help.
County Executive Molinaro said, “Throughout our country – and indeed, throughout our own county – people of every walk of life and circumstance are struggling with substance use. Dutchess County’s goal is to help these mothers and fathers, sons and daughters find their path to recovery, and we need our community’s input to best serve those whose lives we seek to save. Whether you’ve been touched by substance abuse directly or indirectly, I implore you to attend our upcoming forum and make a difference in the lives of those around you.”
The forum will feature guest speaker Kelly S. Ramsey, M.D., internal medicine physician with Hudson River Healthcare (HRHCare) and widely respected expert in substance use disorder and Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT). In addition to offering time for public comments, the forum will review the latest substance use-related efforts and initiatives throughout the county. Forum attendees will also be able to speak personally with representatives from the County’s treatment and recovery service providers.
For those unable to attend the forum, or who do not feel comfortable speaking in public, DBCH welcomes written comments to be read aloud by the forum moderator. Individuals may submit comments online atdutchessny.gov/forumcomments, fax comments to (845) 485-2759, or mail to: Chemical Dependency Forum, 230 North Rd, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601.
The public forum is sponsored by the Chemical Dependency Subcommittee of the Dutchess County Mental Hygiene Board. While the forum is a one-day event, Dutchess County offers training throughout the year in crisis intervention, Mental Health First Aid, Narcan administration, and more. For more information about the forum, or training opportunities, please call (845) 486-2751.
