Union Members, Community Activists to Rally Against Loss of Hudson River Psychiatric Center Services

TOWN OF POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (06/08/2011)(readMedia)-- Members of CSEA and PEF will join with Dutchess-area community activists this Thursday, June 9, 2011 from 4 to 6 p.m. outside the former Hudson River Psychiatric Center Campus on Route 9 for a rally to protect the vital state mental health services that will be lost in the Mid-Hudson Valley community due to Gov. Andrew Cuomo's shortsighted plan to close HRPC.

CSEA President Danny Donohue is scheduled to attend the rally. Donohue, who began his career with the state working at Central Islip Psychiatric Center, has been a vocal critic of the damaging cuts to mental health services across the state.

PEF Vice President Pat Baker is also scheduled to attend the event. Baker worked for the state Office of Mental Health for 25 years as a social worker. She is a strong advocate for our most vulnerable citizens and the vital mental health services they depend on.

State elected officials have been invited to attend.

While some services and jobs at HRPC are expected to be absorbed by Rockland Psychiatric Center in Orangeburg, the closure of HRPC will still result in a loss of services that will harm Mid-Hudson Valley residents in need of mental health treatment and layoffs that will hurt the Dutchess County economy.

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Who: Members of CSEA, PEF and community activists

What: Rally to protect vital state services at Hudson River Psychiatric Center

When: Thursday, June 9th, 2011 from 4 to 6 p.m.