Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D-Mid Hudson) announced that she will be hosting a roundtable on mental health issues affecting the Mid-Hudson Valley region. This discussion will take place on Thursday, Dec. 5, at the Omega Center for Sustainable Living in Rhinebeck. This roundtable will give representatives from local mental health organizations the opportunity to provide input on how government can better work with them to meet the communities’ mental health needs.

“Mental health issues impact all our communities and all sectors of our society from school kids to senior citizens to returning vets," said Assemblymember Didi Barrett. "With the closing of state facilities on both sides of the Hudson River, and the increase in demand for services, I want to be sure our region has the resources necessary to best serve our families, friends and neighbors."

The roundtable will include representatives from organizations, programs and agencies in Dutchess and Columbia counties addressing mental health issues affecting seniors, children, veterans and those struggling with substance abuse. In addition to these representatives, Assemblymember Barrett will be joined by Assemblymember Aileen Gunther, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Mental Health, Dr. James R. Regan, Associate Professor of Psychology and Director of Psychology Graduate Programs at Marist College, and a representative from Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney’s office, as well as several directors of prominent mental health organizations from both counties.

“These organizations do amazing work; by bringing together key stakeholders and leaders to discuss the needs and concerns of the mental health community it will help us better understand what we need to do to assist those facing mental health issues,” added Assemblymember Barrett.