Dozens to rally to save services for people with mental illness and developmental disabilities

ALBANY, NY (02/29/2012)(readMedia)-- Leaders and dozens of members of the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) will hold a rally Thursday, March 1 to protest the state's plan to close the Kingsboro Psychiatric Center in Brooklyn, and to oppose the privatization of state services for people with developmental disabilities.

The protestors are also opposing the ward closures at the Bronx PC, Creedmore PC and the Sagamore Children's PC in May of this year. In 2011, the state closed wards at seven other psychiatric centers throughout New?York. It also issued in 2012 a notice to the Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center to close the entire adult inpatient program, and to close institutional beds at the Finger Lakes and Taconic Developmental Disabilities Service Offices. This would force individuals with extensive medical, behavioral and forensic problems into the community.

PEF Vice President Pat Baker will be available for interviews on the closing of Kingsboro PC and the other mental health facilities. Ed Snow, PEF's Executive Board Member representing employees who work at the state Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) will also be available.

The rally will take place at 44 Holland Avenue in Albany at 12 noon in front of the state offices for Mental Health and OPWDD.

PEF represents approximately 54,000 professional, scientific and technical employees of New York State and other public and private employers. The union has 7,400 members at OMH and 4,300 at OPWDD. For more information, please contact the PEF Public Relations Department at (518) 785-1900 ext. 277.