East Hudson Valley News

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino announced today that the three major service areas under the Department of Behavioral & Community Health (DBCH) – Mental Health, Public Health, and Veterans Services – are on their way to becoming independent departments. The reorganization was formally approved last night during the Dutchess County Legislature’s August Board Meeting with bipartisan support.

“Mental health, in particular, is an issue that is near and dear to my heart and having heard from neighbors of all ages about their own challenges, we need to commit ourselves to increasing and expanding services to meet this growing need,” said Serino. “When people are looking for services and resources in times of need, we want to be doing all that we can to make it easy to figure out where to go and who to talk to. Which is why one of the very first steps our administration took earlier this year was to start the planning process for a reorganization of the Department of Behavioral and Community Health so both mental health and public health could have their own seat at the table. This alignment also ensures Dutchess County can take advantage of the growing resources that may be available and focus on the critical issues that are affecting our neighbors.”

As independent departments, there will be greater visibility for each service area, making it easier for residents to find necessary services and resources. Additionally, this change positions the County to leverage increasing mental health resources at state and federal levels as mental health challenges continue nationally.

The law will take effect once filed with the Secretary of State following a public hearing and signing by the County Executive.

The three independent departments/units will be known as:

- Department of Health (DOH) led by Commissioner Dr. Livia Santiago-Rosado

- Department of Mental Health (DMH) led by Commissioner Jean-Marie Niebuhr, LCSW-R

- Office of Veterans Affairs led by Director Adam Roche, United States Marines (Ret)

In separate resolutions, the County Legislature confirmed Jean-Marie Niebuhr as Commissioner for the newly created Department of Mental Health and Adam Roche as Director of the Office of Veterans Affairs.

“Having dedicated her career to improving mental health, Jean-Marie has been a tremendous resource to Dutchess County, and I am confident that as Commissioner she will guide the new department well and strive to expand mental health services for our entire community,” Serino continued. “As mental health challenges continue to affect individuals of all ages and walks of life, she has the compassion and experience needed to address this ongoing crisis.”

Jean-Marie Niebuhr has served as Deputy Commissioner for DBCH since 2017 after a long tenure in social work with various mental health organizations. As Commissioner, she will oversee activities related to community mental health, chemical dependency, intellectual disabilities services among others.

The Department of Mental Health provides programs for individuals living with mental health or substance use issues including prevention, treatment, recovery support in cooperation with local agency partners. Among its services are 24/7 crisis intervention including Dutchess County’s 988 Suicide & Crisis HELPLINE.

Adam Roche has served as Veterans Services Director since 2020. Before his current role in Dutchess County Government he managed Mental Health America’s Vet2Vet Program connecting veterans with critical resources necessary for civilian life adjustment.

The Dutchess County Office of Veterans Affairs provides professional analysis ensuring veterans receive benefits earned from Honorable Service rendering nearly 20 thousand contact services annually.

Serino stated: “I have always been amazed by how Adam fully dedicates himself advocating for local veterans across our region especially those here in Dutchess County... Adam is a true American hero; his continued dedication is testamentary."

The Department Of Health located at Civic Center Plaza Poughkeepsie continues focusing on public healthcare under direction current commissioner Santiago key functional areas remain Environmental Services Disease Prevention Medical Examiner Emergency Preparedness Early Intervention Weights Measures divisions within DOH.

This reorganization bears no fiscal impact on county budget FY2024 utilizing previously appropriated funds DBCH organizational charts presented legislature found online dutchessny.gov

###