OGDENSBURG –The chairman of the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center Task Force says he is grateful for a statement of support from the North Country Regional Economic Development Council.

The council’s support the New York State Behavioral Health Center of Excellence at the SLPC was announced Wednesday.

“I am pleased to learn that the council recognizes that having a comprehensive mental health care system in place is a critical component to improving the quality of life, the economic opportunity, the educational advancement and the social fabric of our region,” said Chuck Kelly, the SLPC Task Force chairman.

“I have heard from many council members who were impressed with the data supporting the SLPC as the Behavioral Health Center of Excellence and they told me they are willing to help bring our message to Albany.” Kelly said.

“The Task Force will gather more information highlighting the importance of having a Center of Excellence that concentrates on the unique behavioral health needs of a populace that lives in the rural regions of our state,” the chairman said.

“Unlike people living in or close to urban centers, folks living in remote areas do not have access to public transportation, four lane highways or multimodal means to get to and from central city treatment centers. Most are not familiar with navigating through densely populated areas and require an environment that is similar to where they live and where they can be comforted by frequent interactions with family and friends.”

Kelly reported that “community support has been excellent and I encourage everyone to get involved so that the momentum behind the effort to promote the SLPC as the rural component of the Regional Centers of Excellence continues to grow.”

On Tuesday evening, Aug. 6, Kelly addressed the members of the NCREDC who came to Ogdensburg to hear public comments. He thanked them for their endorsement of the resolution requesting that the SLPC be designated as a Regional Center of Excellence.