By JIMMY LAWTON

OGDENSBURG – St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center should become a regional center of excellence.

That’s the message hundreds of people hoped to send to Acting Commissioner of the Office of Mental Health Kristin M. Woodlock today, at what was the last stop on her listening tour.

The tour was held to gather public input as OMH prepares a strategic plan that would focus more on outpatient care.

Among the dozens of speakers were Ogdensburg Mayor Bill Nelson, state Sen. Patty Ritchie, St. Lawrence County Legislator Jonathan Putney of Waddington and Brasher Falls Central Superintendent Stephen Putman.

Woodlock did not say the state planned to close any facilities, but highlighted the fact that New York has 24 state-owned facilities serving 18 million people, compared to California’s five facilities serving 37 million people.

St. Lawrence county legislators, state representatives, college officials, city councilors and members of the public all spoke in opposition to any proposed closure.

Many supported the idea of creating regional centers and felt St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center would be a perfect fit.

Access to universities, a rich history, its rural location and strong workforce were all cited as reasons the Ogdensburg facility should be considered as a regional center.

Woodlock said any decisions made in the strategic plan “must pass the test of being good for the people we serve and their families.”

Woodlock said the plan should be completed next week.

More details on today’s “listening tour” will be posted on NorthCountryNow.com shortly after 5 p.m.