Elmira Psychiatric Center Will Stay Open After All
December 19, 2013
Today, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced a reversal in his decision to close the Elmira Psychiatric Center, as well as the Binghamton and St Lawrence Psychiatric Centers. Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R, Corning) and Senator Tom O’Mara (R, Big Flats) put much public pressure on the governor not to close the Elmira Pyschiatric Center.
“Above all, it’s a testament to the outpouring of grassroots support and action that’s been underway locally since July,” said Senator O’Mara. “Everyone who took the time to sign a petition or join us at a rally made a difference. All of the hard work put in by local government, business and community leaders, the staff and employees of the Elmira Psychiatric Center, patients and families, and countless concerned citizens is making a difference.”
Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R-C, Corning) and Assemblyman Chris Friend (R-Big Flats) released the following statement in reaction to today’s news:
“It’s a fantastic development for mental health patients and families throughout the 11-county region that the Elmira Psychiatric Center serves, and it couldn’t have been delivered at a better time. We’ve appreciated the opportunity to be part of such a coordinated, collective, impressive effort across the region to help save these critical community services and local jobs.”
Congressman Tom Reed (R, Corning) issued the following statement about keeping the Elmira Psychiatric Center open: “The entire Southern Tier community should take pride in its unwavering efforts to save what is truly an unmatched resource in our area. Joining in efforts to support the Elmira Psychiatric Center, it was remarkable to hear the success stories from patients and their families of the unparalleled care. I was proud to stand with employees, former patients, their families and local officials to advocate for the center’s continuation to preserve the jobs there and see its services continue close to home. The center has a long history as a cost-effective, high-quality provider of mental health services and I am thrilled it will be able to continue providing that care.”
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