The state Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA) is stating its opposition to the proposed closure of the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center adult and children inpatient services in a statewide radio spot.

The radio ad opposes closures of upstate mental health facilities, developmental centers, and prisons.

In July, the Cuomo administration announced plans to end inpatient services at nine psychiatric centers statewide and close four state-run centers for the developmentally disabled.

NYSCOPBA officials say these closures would force families to travel to distant regional centers for services and leave others without access to proper care.

In addition, the vast majority of the 520 St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center employees would be forced to relocate or lose their jobs.

"Unilaterally closing essential prisons and mental health facilities upstate will not only exacerbate a public safety crisis in the state, but it will force hardworking officers to choose between their jobs and their families," said NYSCOPBA President Donn Rowe.

Below is the script of the radio spot, which begins airing today statewide:

“While Governor Cuomo is focused on New York City, upstate continues to suffer.

Instead of reforming bureaucratic waste and overtime costs, the Governor wants to shut four prisons and several mental health facilities.

That will kill hundreds of good paying jobs, and make these institutions even more overcrowded and dangerous.

Tell Governor Cuomo: no unilateral prison and mental health closings.

Let's protect good jobs and services, and not hurt our economy.”