Three NYS Mental Hygiene Agencies Jointly Release Statewide Comprehensive Plans

ALBANY, NY (10/03/2008)(readMedia)-- New York State's Office of Mental Health (OMH), Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) and Office of Mental Retardation Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD) - the state's three mental hygiene agencies- have jointly announced the release of their agencies' statewide comprehensive plans for mental health services, alcoholism and substance abuse services and services for people with developmental disabilities. The plans were delivered October 1, 2008 to Governor David A. Paterson and to the Legislature.

Each plan is required under New York's Mental Hygiene Law, and addresses the distinct strengths of and challenges facing the respective mental health, developmental disabilities, and addiction service systems. Of note this year is a stronger collaboration among and across the three agencies, and a renewed emphasis on putting the needs of people first by providing individuals and families with access to coordinated, quality care across service systems.

Michael F. Hogan, PhD, Commissioner of OMH, said, "This plan accompanies the remarkable new Children's Plan that charts a new course toward mental health and positive development for all of New York's children. Its themes include improved alignment of both planning and services among the Mental Hygiene agencies. And we acknowledge a challenging environment, where planning must address how to improve quality and access within constant resources. I would like to thank the more than 1,000 individuals who participated in OMH's local and statewide planning efforts over the past year, including the county mental health leaders and advocacy groups who conducted and helped guide our planning efforts."

Diana Jones Ritter, Commissioner of OMRDD, said, "OMRDD believes every person with a developmental disability has a distinctive contribution to make to the world. This plan is a blueprint for helping people with developmental disabilities lead richer lives. Strong collaboration between the agencies continues to be a strong expectation of Governor Paterson's administration, and will be essential to achieve the goals of these plans. OMRDD will continue to support person-centered, self-directed supports and services so that every person can have a home of their choice in their community, contribute to their community in preferred jobs or activities, have good health and enjoy meaningful relationships with friends, family and others in the community."

OASAS Commissioner Karen M. Carpenter-Palumbo said, "It is New York's goal to put People First and to provide the best access to physical, mental or addiction services for our citizens. For the first time, these three plans highlight and support chemical dependence and gambling addiction initiatives while maintaining the distinctive strengths of each service system. Under the leadership of Governor David Paterson and through the Inter-Office Coordinating Council, we will continue to collaborate to improve services for New Yorkers with multiple needs."

The three comprehensive plans were developed in part through efforts of interagency planning groups that include county mental hygiene leadership from across the state, stakeholders, advocates, and individuals served by the three agencies. Links to the plans can be found on the OMH, OMRDD and OASAS websites.