Sue Serino, Dept. of Mental Health
to Host Town Hall Series

Residents Invited for Conversation about Mental Health Services

To strengthen outreach to residents and families impacted by intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health and substance use challenges, and to gather their feedback on local services and programs, Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino and the Department of Mental Health (DMH) will host a series of Mental Health Town Halls across Dutchess County. Residents are invited to come and be a part of a conversation to learn about available services and resources, as well as share their feedback about needed resources or service changes. Four town halls will be held through September and October, with simultaneous Spanish interpretation offered at each event. Local community partners will also be present with information tables about available resources. View the event flyer.

County Executive Sue Serino said, “When it comes to mental health, every story matters. These town halls are about listening to our neighbors – hearing their struggles, their hopes, and their ideas – so we can make sure no one feels alone in trying to find help. We want to shine a light on the array of services that already exist, but just as importantly, we want to learn from you about what’s missing and where we can do better. By coming together and sharing openly, we can make sure our services truly reflect the needs of our neighbors.”

Mental Health Town Halls Schedule:

For all events, doors will open at 5:30 p.m., and the event program will begin at 6 p.m.

• Thursday, October 16 – Wappinger Town Hall, 20 Middlebush Rd, Wappingers Falls

Each town hall will offer residents the opportunity to share their experiences and provide input to DMH about the services available and needed for:

• Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities;
• Alcohol/ Substance Use Addiction and Recovery;
• Mental Health Needs for Youth and Adults.

All mental health topics are welcome, and every comment, question, and story help guide how DMH evolves to meet community needs. All input will help the DMH shape its 2026 Local Services Plan, aligning long-term goals with statewide priorities.

Residents are invited to speak up, share experiences, and help shape the future of mental health services in Dutchess County. These forums are not just about sharing information, they’re about listening, learning, and improving together.

DMH Commissioner Jean-Marie Niebuhr said, “These town halls give us the chance to highlight available services and just as importantly, to hear directly from local residents about what’s working and where improvements are needed.  With four events throughout the county, made possible by the generosity of our municipalities and community partners, we are happy to meet people where they are and have them be part of this important conversation. The feedback we receive plays a vital role in shaping future programs and priorities.”

Residents planning to attend who may need to request accommodations, including American Sign Language interpreters, are asked to provide at least seven days’ notice, by emailing edentrone@dutchessny.gov or calling 845-486-2885.

For those unable to attend, DMH welcomes individuals to submit comments online at dutchessny.gov/townhallcomments, fax comments to (845) 486-2829, or mail them to: Mental Health Town Hall Comments; 230 North Road; Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. A moderator will follow up with a response and share the comment during the town hall, ensuring others with similar questions or concerns can benefit from the discussion.