OGDENSBURG -- The St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center Task Force, backed by Sen. Patty Ritchie, has launched a postcard campaign to demonstrate support for the facility as state officials continue to deliberate the future of state hospitals.

Postcards, which read “Don’t Shut the Lights Out on the North Country,” have been printed and given to community leaders, union leaders and county officials for distribution, according to a release from Ritchie's office.

In addition, cards are also available at Sen. Ritchie’s Ogdensburg office, located at 330 Ford St.

They can also be printed at www.savethecenter.net.

All postcards will be mailed to Governor Andrew Cuomo and Kristin Woodlock, acting commissioner the Office of Mental Health. In addition to meeting with community leaders, Sen. Ritchie has also created the website www.savethecenter.net, which features the latest news and information on the center and created an online petition—including more than 2,000 signatures—which was delivered to Albany officials at the recent listening session held at the facility.

Attending Friday’s meeting were retired St. Lawrence County Newspaper Publisher Charles W. Kelly, Ogdensburg Mayor William Nelson, City Manager John Pinkerton, St. Lawrence County Administrator Karen St. Hilaire, St. Lawrence County Community Services Director Angela Doe, St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Director Pat Kelly, Public Employee Federation representative Virginia Davey, Civil Service Employee Association Bill Lipinsky, and New York State Correctional Officers Benevolent Association representative Gregory Tarbox.