BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

CANTON -- St. Lawrence County has been awarded over $42,000 to support mental health initiatives for correctional officers. 

Legislators accepted the CARES UP grant funding during the June 2 full board meeting, bringing $42,250 to the county. 

According to legislators, the funding comes from the  New York State Office of Mental Health’s Suicide Prevention Center (OMH SPCNY) and the Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene (RFMH) with a contract period running from Jan. 1, 2025 through Dec. 31, 2025. 

"The purpose of this funding is to develop a comprehensive public health prevention strategy for Correctional Officers that goes beyond access to high quality, confidential mental health services, but also includes an upstream approach that integrates resiliency and wellness training programs into the workplace to decrease the shame and stigma often present within these professions," officials said. 

The correctional facility intends to use the funding for an in-house wellness program to include exercise equipment, computer software, workshops, training, participation incentives, printing and office supplies for training and events. 

In other action, legislators also accepted a $500 donation to the Community Services Department for the food pantry project. 

Community Services officials said the increasing need for food assistance among individuals struggling financially in the community continues to grow, placing food pantries in a critical position to help many families in need. 

"In recognition of County Government Month, Community Services hosted a food drive to augment the existing clinic food pantry currently funded by the OASAS Outreach and Engagement grant which is ending soon," county officials said. 

They commented that the project aligns with Community Services' mission "to promote the health and well-being of our community by addressing the critical issue of food insecurity." 

The $500 gift, which was given to the community by the Edward C. Seymour VFW Post #1231 in Canton, comes in response to the success of the food drive. 

Legislators gave their thanks to the Post for their efforts and thoughtful donation to the ongoing food pantry project.

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