News from New York State Office of Mental Health

For more information contact: Jill Daniels, 518-474-6540

Media Advisory

NYS Office of Mental Health Holding Children's Mental Health Forum in Kingston May 7

ALBANY, NY (05/06/2008; 1300)(readMedia)-- Office of Mental Health (OMH) Commissioner Michael Hogan will convene one of five regional public forums being held across the state during May, in Kingston on May 7. The forums will be an opportunity for family members, care providers, advocates, educators, youth development experts and other stakeholders, to discuss and explore the social and emotional needs of New York State’s children, youth and their families. Underscoring the importance of the issue, Governor David A. Paterson has proclaimed May 4-10 to be Children’s Mental Health Week in New York State.

Who: OMH Commissioner Michael F. Hogan, PhD David Woodlock, Deputy Commissioner, OMH Division of Children & Family Services

What: The statewide forums will enable those invested in children’s emotional well being to provide input into what will become the Children’s Mental Health Plan for New York State. This vision for the future will guide child and youth-serving systems in promoting children’s mental health, and aim to improve outcomes for children and their families by implementing strategies for early identification and intervention, effective prevention, increased access to services and supports, strengthened collaboration across systems and a universally skilled workforce.

When: Wednesday May 7, 2008. 10:00am-12:45pm: presentations and overview by OMH Commissioners Hogan and Woodlock, and members of one family discuss their experiences. 1:30pm–3:00pm: discussion and interaction with audience members.

Where: Holiday Inn, 503 Washington Avenue, Kingston NY 12401

Why: The statewide forums will enable those invested in children’s emotional well being to provide input into what will become the Children’s Mental Health Plan for New York State. This vision for the future will guide child and youth-serving systems in promoting children’s mental health, and aim to improve outcomes for children and their families by implementing strategies for early identification and intervention, effective prevention, increased access to services and supports, strengthened collaboration across systems and a universally skilled workforce.

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