WEST SENECA – State Senator Rob Ortt (R,C,I – North Tonawanda) will team up with the Save Western New York Children’s Psychiatric Center Coalition during an open forum Monday in an effort to deter proposed plans from the Office of Mental Health (OMH) to merge the Western New York Children's Psychiatric Center and the Buffalo Psychiatric Center, an adult facility. As part of the 2014-15 state budget, the Western New York delegation was able to defer the merger from happening, however OMH still has the statutory authority to merge the centers. Senator Ortt has closely monitored the situation through the budget process and has made his opposition to a consolidation known to the Commissioner of Mental Health Anne Sullivan. The public is encouraged to participate in the discussion and let their voices be heard.

WHAT: Roundtable Discussion Regarding Proposed Merger of WNYCPC and Buffalo Psychiatric Center

WHEN: Monday, August 31, 2015 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

WHERE: CSEA Local 425

                  7 Willowdale Dr.

                  West Seneca, NY 14224 

WHO:  Senator Rob Ortt, Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Committee Chairman

              Western New York Children’s Psychiatric Coalition Representatives

              Senator Cathy Young (R,C,I – Olean)

              Assemblyman Mickey Kearns (D – Buffalo)