Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center Receives Second Mental Health Grant to Establish CPEP Program
May 07, 2024 08:49AM ● By Nicole Petrus
[May 6, 2024] – In continued observance of Mental Health Awareness Month, the North Star
Health Alliance (NSHA) proudly announces a significant milestone in the provision of mental
health care in the North Country.
Claxton Hepburn Medical Center (CHMC), a member of NSHA, has been awarded a
transformative $4.8 million dollar grant by the New York State Office of Mental Health. This
grant represents a resounding endorsement of CHMC's and the NSHA’s unwavering
commitment to compassionate care and innovation in the field of mental health.
The grant will facilitate the establishment of a comprehensive psychiatric emergency program
(CPEP) to address the substantial need for timely emergency psychiatric care. The grant funds
will be used to renovate existing facilities at CHMC to use as a space for a psychiatric emergency department to offer culturally and trauma-informed care to people in crisis and reduce the burden on standard and emergency room care.
CHMC was also recently awarded $5 million dollar grant from the Office of Mental Health to
fund the expansion of the Elizabeth May Duvall Children & Adolescent Behavioral Health Unit,
the region's sole center dedicated to the mental well-being of young individuals. With a total of
$9.8 million dollars in funds, this initiative couldn't come at a more critical time. Mental health
challenges are escalating, especially in underserved regions like the north country. Establishing
a standalone psychiatric emergency room isn't just necessary—it's a lifesaver.
Both initiatives underscore the pivotal role CHMC plays as a designated mental health hub for the county. "We are thrilled to receive these grants from the New York State Office of Mental Health, said Rich Duvall, President & CEO of Carthage Area Hospital, CHMC, and NSHA. "These awards enable us to enhance and expand our services, ensuring individuals of all ages in the North Country receive the vital mental health care they need."
Both initiatives underscore the pivotal role CHMC plays as a designated mental health hub for the county. "We are thrilled to receive these grants from the New York State Office of Mental Health, said Rich Duvall, President & CEO of Carthage Area Hospital, CHMC, and NSHA. "These awards enable us to enhance and expand our services, ensuring individuals of all ages in the North Country receive the vital mental health care they need."
The expansion of the Elizabeth May Duvall Unit and the establishment of the CHMC
comprehensive psychiatric emergency program (CPEP) underscore the NSHA's commitment to providing comprehensive, accessible, and compassionate mental health care across the North
Country. It reflects our collective dedication to breaking down barriers and fostering resilience in
our community's youth.
Join us in celebrating this milestone and reaffirming our commitment to mental wellness for all.
