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More than 2,000 sign petition to keep St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center open in readiness for Wednesday's 'listening session'

Posted 5/14/13

Sen. Patty Ritchie will deliver more than 2,000 signatures and statements in support of St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center to Albany officials at Wednesday’s “listening session” to be held at the …

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More than 2,000 sign petition to keep St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center open in readiness for Wednesday's 'listening session'

Posted

Sen. Patty Ritchie will deliver more than 2,000 signatures and statements in support of St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center to Albany officials at Wednesday’s “listening session” to be held at the facility.

The signatures and stories were collected via www.savethecenter.org, a website Ritchie created to allow people to sign her petition as well as share news and updates on the center.

“This has grown from being a local issue to one that is spanning the country, with people from as far away as California, Texas, Indiana and Alaska expressing how they were touched by the care they or their loved ones received from those at the center,” said Ritchie.

“These stories have come from people, who with nowhere else to turn, found lifesaving care in the facility. I hope to impress on the state officials who will visit Wednesday just how important the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center is to our region, not only for the quality care it provides, but also for the hundreds of much-needed jobs it supports.”

Ritchie said Ogdensburg listening session is the last of 12 being held across the state to collect the public’s comments on a plan that could result in consolidation and reduced services at some of the state’s mental health facilities.

Ritchie is still encouraging the public to sign the petition and register to attend tomorrow’s listening session, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center’s “Unity Center.”

Ritchie has been meeting with community leaders to brainstorm additional ways to highlight the facility for Albany officials during Wednesday’s visit.