LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION paying tribute to Mental Health America of Dutch-
ess County upon the occasion of celebrating 60 years of advocacy for
people with mental illness

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the efforts
of those organizations which provide vital mental health services to
individuals and their families, and in doing so, enhance the health and
welfare of the entire State of New York; and
WHEREAS, It is the further sense of this Legislative Body to acknowl-
edge those organizations that are dedicated to providing services and
supports for individuals with mental illness as well as advocating on
their behalf; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to pay trib-
ute to Mental Health America of Dutchess County upon the occasion of
celebrating 60 years of advocacy for people with mental illness; and
WHEREAS, Mental Health America of Dutchess County grew out of the
Dutchess County Society for Mental Health, a small group of caring citi-
zens who incorporated in 1954; these citizens were concerned with the
lack of affordable community mental health services; and
WHEREAS, During this time, local residents had only two mental health
assistance options, private therapy or hospitalization at Hudson River
State Hospital; and
WHEREAS, The society's goal was to establish a community clinic where
people would be charged only what they could afford; soon after the
first clinic opened, the society began advocacy work, volunteer services
at the hospital, an alcoholism clinic, and an ex-patients' club; and
WHEREAS, In 1967, society members were instrumental in obtaining the
federal funds used to construct the Dutchess County Mental Health
Center, located at 230 North Road in Poughkeepsie; the Dutchess County
Society for Mental Health turned its clinics over to the Dutchess County
government in 1970; and
WHEREAS, Today, six decades after a concerned group of citizens began
their work, members of Mental Health America of Dutchess County continue
as a voluntary, not-for-profit organization; its administrative and main
field offices are now located at 253 Mansion Street in Poughkeepsie; and
WHEREAS, Mental Health America of Dutchess County is part of a
National network of 320 affiliates dedicated to helping all people lead
mentally healthier lives; the bell image in the logo is a graphic repre-
sentation of an actual 300 pound bell, the Mental Health America Bell;
and
WHEREAS, The Bell was forged 60 years ago with iron chains and shack-
les that bound people in mental asylums; it serves as Mental Health
America's visual reminder of society's past, the progress it has made,
and a powerful symbol of its vital mission; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to honor those
organizations that enhance the quality of life in the State of New York
and have shown a long and sustained commitment to improving the care,
services and treatment of those with mental illness; and
WHEREAS, Organizations such as Mental Health America of Dutchess Coun-
ty, which bring greater awareness to mental health issues, and assist
people with mental illnesses in their quest for dignity and independ-
ence, profoundly enhance the quality of life for all citizens; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to pay
tribute to Mental Health America of Dutchess County upon the occasion of

celebrating 60 years of advocacy for people with mental illness; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Mental Health America of Dutchess County.