East Hudson Valley News

The Dutchess County Department of Mental Health (DMH) is continuing its series of public forums this fall to engage with residents and families affected by mental health and substance-use issues. The aim is to gather input and provide information on county resources.

Each forum will offer residents the opportunity to share their experiences and give input on services available for intellectual and developmental disabilities, alcohol substance use addiction and recovery, as well as mental health needs for both youth and adults.

County Executive Sue Serino stated, “Our County’s mental health department, together with community partners, offers a wide range of excellent mental health resources. Our aim, through these upcoming forums, is to share information about these important programs with residents to help those living with mental health issues – and their families – connect with the resources they need. These forums are also a valuable way for us to hear from residents about their thoughts on our existing services and areas for improvement.”

The upcoming forums are scheduled for Thursday, September 26th at 5:30 p.m. in the Dover Middle School Gymnasium located at 2368 Route 22 in Dover Plains, and Tuesday, October 1st at 5:30 p.m. in the Beacon High School Cafeteria at 101 Matteawan Road in Beacon.

Spanish and American Sign Language interpretation will be available at each forum. These events are free and open to the public; families, caregivers, and local stakeholders are encouraged to attend. All input received will assist DMH in shaping its 2025 Local Services Plan which aligns with statewide goals.

DMH Commissioner Jean-Marie Niebuhr commented, “These public discussions are a valuable opportunity for the public to inform us about their needs, as well as for us to inform residents about our services and identify areas where we can enhance those offerings. The feedback we receive from users is essential for our future planning, and we invite all input.”

To increase accessibility for residents, DMH has been hosting annual forums at various locations across Dutchess County since spring when sessions were held in Poughkeepsie and Pine Plains.

For those unable to attend in person, DMH welcomes written comments which can be submitted online at dutchessny.gov/forumcomments or sent via fax or mail.