To the Editor:

I am writing to encourage all residents of the northern New York counties to write or call

Governor Cuomo’s office to express your outrage at the potential closing of the state

Psychiatric Center in Ogdensburg.

It is precisely the high poverty regions of our state that lack the necessary medical services for mental health.

As a public school administrator, I have seen first hand the difficulties that parents have in accessing mental health professionals for their children. Many of the mental health professionals in northern New York only accept adult patients.

It is widely known in the field that the support and participation of parents can be integral to the successful recovery of a mentally ill child. The idea that families from this region can actively participate in an inpatient treatment program that is located in Utica or Syracuse is absurd. It shows a complete disregard for the health and well being of our young people and those of all ages who may require these services.

I urge you to take an active role in helping convince our state officials of the folly in this plan.

Stephen M. Putman

Canton