Last month, County Executive Ryan wrote an op-ed (link is external) requesting an immediate return of vital local services to our community
KINGSTON, N.Y. – Today, Ulster County Executive Ryan joined New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) for a Speak-Out at Kingston City Hall calling on HealthAlliance to return the county’s only inpatient mental health and chemical dependency services. Joined by nurses, local elected officials, and community leaders, County Executive Ryan emphasized the vital need for these critical services as we continue to see a dramatic rise in mental-health issues and substance abuse as a result of the pandemic.
“Now more than ever, we must guarantee that all residents have ample access to vital local services and come together to ensure our community is receiving the support it desperately needs and deserves,” County Executive Ryan said. “Denying our community access to these critical services is unacceptable, and I am proud to stand with members of NYSNA and our local nurses and community leaders today to reject the removal of these beds. I will continue to fervently call on HealthAlliance to act quickly to honor its commitment to ensuring our community’s health and safety and bring back these services immediately.”
Last month, Hudson Valley One published an op-ed (link is external) by County Executive Pat Ryan calling for HealthAlliance to return vital mental-health services to Ulster County. In May, County Executive Pat Ryan sent a letter to Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth) / HealthAlliance of the Hudson Valley in response to concerns regarding the temporary removal of sixty behavioral health beds in Ulster County.