Senator Griffo and Assemblyman Brindisi Meet With State Mental Health Commissioner, Ask For Justification For Proposal to Downsize the Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center

State Senator Joseph A. Griffo (R-C /Rome) and Assemblyman Anthony J. Brindisi (D-WF/Utica) met today with New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Michael Hogan, and requested that he reconsider the department’s proposal to close inpatient wards at the Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center (MVPC.)

The two officials outlined many reasons inpatients should remain at the MVPC, including the economic impacts of moving some patients from there to the Hutchings Psychiatric Center in Syracuse, along with the potential negative effect it could have on the patients in the MVPC and their families.  They also told him that they have concerns whether inpatients in Utica that might be moved to outpatient status will receive the supervision and health care services they need.  

The two officials today sent correspondence to Commissioner Hogan, requesting all the data and analysis that has been used to develop the plan to downsize the MVPC.  Enclosed is the joint letter both officials sent today to the Commissioner.

-30-