On average, every 1 in 20 adults in the U.S. will experience serious mental illness each year and many suffer in silence or struggle to find care. Through the Albany County Department of Mental Health, we provide a wide array of mental health services to residents but we are always looking to do more. CE McCoy announced the expansion of our Mobile Outreach, Treatment, and Overdose Response (MOTOR) Program.  First launched in 2020, this program aims to address the opioid & fentanyl epidemic and improve access to behavioral health care, especially in rural areas. To date, MOTOR has served 240 individuals and has followed up on 393 overdose survivor referrals, providing support, education, and linkage to treatment and recovery services. We are doubling the size of the MOTOR program and doubling its positive impact in the community with the arrival of 2 new customized vans and 3 additional staff. This expansion will allow us to expand overdose survivor response to additional jurisdictions throughout Albany County. Second, Albany County launched the March On Program last fall, which is dedicated to supporting Veterans’ mental health and addressing the tragedy of Veteran suicide. This was done in collaboration with our County Legislature and the program created a new position within Albany County, the Health Home Case Manager, who will work closely with Veterans to help them navigate the wide range of services available.

Many veterans returning from military service experience higher rates of trauma and social isolation due to their service. This hands-on support ensures Veterans are connected with mental health counseling, wellness programs, and other community resources. We also organize family-oriented outings that connect Veterans and their loved ones with essential resources in a supportive, engaging environment. Third, we will be installing new signage as part of our new environMental Health initiative. These signs will offer supportive messages, let those struggling know they are not alone, and most importantly feature the number for the Albany County Mobile Crisis Team and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. They will be installed in county parks and other county-owned properties. We are also handing out lunch cooler totes with messaging to help break the stigma about mental health and encourage anyone to visit our website for more about our services. www.albanycountyny.gov/departments/mental-health

Pic: Deputy Legislature Chair Wanda Willingham (center) is flanked by Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Stephen Giordano on the left and CE McCoy on the right with members of the Veterans Service Bureau, Parks & Rec and Mental Health departments.