$2,000,000 of federal ARP funding will be used for the purchase of an existing commercial office building at 368 Broadway in Kingston
The Center will allow individuals in need of mental health and addiction services to immediately connect, 24/7, with an integrated team of clinical counselors, peer specialists and addiction professionals for support and treatment options
KINGSTON, N.Y. - County Executive Pat Ryan today signed a resolution authorizing the purchase of an existing commercial office building at 368 Broadway in Kingston for the purposes of creating a Crisis Stabilization Center. The Center would allow individuals in need of mental health and addiction services to immediately connect, 24/7, with an integrated team of clinical counselors, peer specialists and addiction professionals for support and treatment options.
“As I’ve said in the past, for far too long, we have understaffed, underfunded and undervalued mental health services in New York State and across our country, including right here in Ulster County. With our ARP funding, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity – and an obligation – to make long-lasting change that better serves our residents,” Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan said. “I want to thank our partners in the Ulster County Legislature for their collaboration on this critical Crisis Stabilization Center project, which will provide 24/7 access to care at the time the need is imminent and other services are unavailable.”
“The past couple years have been exceptionally difficult on our care providers and people who struggle with their mental health and substance use disorders,” Congressman Antonio Delgado said. “We passed the American Rescue Plan and my Direct Support For Communities Act formula so that Ulster County and communities across upstate New York have the resources they need to rebuild our economy and health care system. I’m glad to see Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan and leaders in the county use these funds for the new Crisis Stabilization Center which will relieve some of the strain on our local health care providers and help ensure individuals and families have access to the support and services they need.”
“After over a year of work, by the legislative criminal justice reform taskforce, investigating and identifying a solution to the growing crisis in our county of individuals lacking the emergency care they needed related to substance use and mental health, I am so pleased that the Crisis Stabilization Center proposed by me and Legislator Criswell is close to being a reality,” Vice Chair of the Ulster County Legislature Eve Walter said.
“The future Crisis Stabilization Center site is an easily accessible location and will serve the Kingston community and the county at large,” Legislator Peter Criswell said. “I’m proud to have co-sponsored the legislation to bring the Crisis Stabilization Center to Ulster County; it’s a great use of ARPA funds.”
In addition to being equipped to manage the most acute needs, the vision is to create a one-of-a-kind place where residents of all ages and their families can go the moment they need help, regardless of the type of help needed. Ulster County aims to provide a safe place to connect with caring people who will welcome and guide residents through the process of getting support. This might be a parent seeking help managing their child's behaviors and stress related to financial insecurity. Other times, it may be a loved one helping a friend navigate the path to recovery from addiction. Everyone will be welcomed and assisted with the issues that matter to them. This level of support will more adequately meet the needs of the community, ease the burden on our existing system of care, and reduce the unnecessary use of law enforcement to manage behavioral health concerns.
The resolution, adopted last week by the Ulster County Legislature, authorizes the transfer of $2,000,000.00 of ARPA funds to purchase the 368 Broadway site. For more information on ARPA, visit ulstercountyny.gov/arp.
###
