County partners with Family Services for additional mental health programming

Thursday, October 24, 2024

Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino announced Wednesday a new county partnership with Family Services, Inc. to expand access to mental health services in northern Dutchess County.  The partnership includes an expansion of children’s services in Poughkeepsie and the creation of new children’s’ programs in northern Dutchess County in 2025.  With support from Dutchess County Department of Mental Health (DMH), Family Services is developing a new, larger outpatient mental health clinic in the northern Dutchess area, which will expand access for adults and be home to the new children’s behavioral health program.

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Family Services' Board Chair David Ping on Community, Collaboration, and Connection

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

This October, I am proud to support the FIFTY2 End Stigma campaign as a board member of both Family Services and Winnakee Land Trust. This collaboration highlights two organizations I care deeply about, both of which provide significant benefits to our community.

Each year, one in five individuals faces mental health challenges, yet only half seek professional support. Family Services aims to remove barriers to healing by offering affordable, trauma-informed, and evidence-based services. We actively engage with our community to enhance our offerings and promote social change.

Last year alone, our agency served nearly 17,000 children, adults, and families. Additionally, our Family Partnership Center, which houses over 20 human services and health organizations, provided vital resources such as nourishing food, legal aid, primary health care, and youth programs to many more.

Winnakee Land Trust is dedicated to protecting our natural environment and connecting the community to the land through trail building and programs that encourage a closer relationship with nature. Research shows that even brief moments spent outdoors can reduce stress and boost happiness. Exposure to sunlight can improve sleep and alleviate depressive symptoms. Nature has a unique ability to soothe our senses, offering joyful experiences that allow us to unwind amidst the sounds of birds, streams, and other natural wonders.

Winnakee’s stewardship initiatives also invest in our future by enhancing landscapes to better serve our region. Each year, we protect more land and create new trails, while our restoration efforts improve biodiversity, climate resilience, and the quality of our air and water.

Two of Winnakee’s properties that I frequently visit—Vlei Marsh and Burger Hill—are featured trails in the Fifty2 End Stigma campaign. These trails have become an integral part of my physical health and wellness routine. The benefits of these walks increase when I invite family or friends to join me, allowing us to share conversation and quality time in nature.

Our mental and physical health are closely interconnected, and regular exercise is proven to alleviate stress that can lead to depression and anxiety. Setting new, achievable goals can be a vital tool for improving mental health, providing a foundation for developing healthy habits.

The Fifty2 End Stigma campaign provides a meaningful framework for personal growth and connection, fostering a sense of achievement as we work together to promote awareness. I encourage you to join me in supporting this important initiative, helping to highlight the resources available in our region and breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health challenges. 

Tina's Story

Monday, October 14, 2024

My name is Tina Field. My journey begins in 2017. At that time, I had my first spine surgery. Subsequently, I had two more surgeries in the two years after. The surgeries left me in chronic pain. I spent most of my days in bed. I could no longer work or be productive. I walked with a walker for some time and the a cane for six years after. The pain was severe and long lasting.

My timeline moves up to 2021. I underwent a stress test and echocardiogram, only to find out that I had a blockage in my heart. I had an angioplasty and had a stent placed in my heart.

After the stent placement, I was required to go to cardiac rehabilitation. Cardiac rehab is medically supervised exercise done three times a week for 12 weeks. My chronic pain continued, but my exercise routine began. At the end of cardiac rehabilitation, I was encouraged to to continue to exercise, so I joined Gold’s Gym in 2022 following rehab. I didn’t have high hopes of making the gym a lasting part of my life, but I forced myself to go.

Sometimes, I went once a week. Other times, more often. But, I kept going regardless.

Fast forward to 2024. I had my fourth spine surgery in April ( at that time, I continued walking with a cane). In May, I returned to gym to rehabilitate myself along with physical therapy. Since May of 2024, I worked on increasing my strength. I used the elliptical to strengthen my hip and leg muscles. I walked on the treadmill. Finally, I started to bike. I concentrated on the biking because it was the one thing I seemed to do well. I to this day cannot walk far, but I can bike.

I heard about the fifty-two mile run to end mental health stigma. Leah Feldman, CEO of Family Services inspired me to want to do something. But what? I surely couldn’t run. I can only walk 1/4 mile on the treadmill. Leah encouraged me to join according to my ability. I decided to join the bike riding team to raise money for Family Services to end stigma in our community.

Thanks to Leah, I’m biking 100 miles during the month of October 2024. Not only am improving my physical well-being, but also my mental health. I say this with pride, and it’s an honor to participate in an event I never thought possible. I can’t change the past, but the future is in my hands. Biking has reduced my stress and anxiety. When I feel these emotions, I now go to the gym and work it off. It’s all part of my plan to improve my mental health. At one time, my mental health was poor. I didn’t think I could accomplish anything because of my acquired disability. Yes, I continue to have physical pain and not everyday is perfect, but I’m on the road to making a difference. That alone is rewarding.

Please help people like myself to accomplish the goal that never seemed possible. My goal is 100 miles. My donation page can be found at: www.fifty2endstigma.org/TField100. You may donate to me or to the team. It’s up to you. You can follow my progress on my donation page. The main thing is to never lose hope. You may not be able to run, but you have some ability. Family Services encourage me to find my ability, and I’m doing it! Thank you for considering a donation. Help me end stigma.

Going the (extra) distance for mental health

Monday, October 7, 2024

By Pete Colaizzo

My hope for the FIFTY2 End Stigma campaign is that it will ignite conversations around mental health, educate people, and, most importantly, normalize seeking help. I want to see more individuals, families, and communities openly discussing mental health without fear or shame. The ultimate goal is to reduce stigma so that no one feels alone in their mental health journey, and everyone feels empowered to seek the support they deserve.

By taking on this challenge, people are helping to break down the stigma surrounding mental health and inspire others to do the same. It isn’t just about running or pushing your limits physically; it’s about standing together to support a cause that impacts all of us. Whether you're running, walking, or raising awareness, every effort counts. There is strength in community, and together, we thrive.

Read more on Substack.

NY State fire fighter takes on 52-mile challenge to raise mental health awareness

Monday, October 7, 2024

Chris Rinck, a battalion chief with the Arlington Fire District and a proud member of Arlington Professional Fire Fighters Local 2393, is gearing up for an extraordinary challenge this October. He will join a group of dedicated runners known as the “Wellness Warriors” in a mission to run 52 miles in one day on Oct. 19. It’s an effort to help raise awareness of mental health issues affecting fire fighters and the community.

Read more here.

Fifty2 End Stigma challenges Hudson Valley residents to move, improve mental health

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Story by Erin Quinn.
 

"While on a long run with a friend, Leah Feldman wondered how she could combine her love of running with her passion for providing mental health services for the mid-Hudson Valley. The 37-year-old mother of two is an avid runner, having completed Rock The Ridge’s 50-mile challenge at the Mohonk Preserve five times. Through her experiences as an ultrarunner and CEO of Family Services, a nonprofit that provides regional mental health services, she has found a direct correlation between physical and mental health..."

Read more on the Times Union website.

September is National Recovery Month

Thursday, September 26, 2024

 

New York State Recognizes First Responder Mental Health Needs

Thursday, September 26, 2024

 

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray today announced the results of a survey conducted as part of New York’s inaugural first responder mental health needs assessment. The survey, which was conducted to better understand and help address mental health challenges facing the public safety community, included input from members of law enforcement, the fire service, EMTs, 911 dispatchers and emergency managers. More than 6,000 first responders statewide completed the survey. First responders reported a high degree of mental and physical stress as a result of the traumatic events associated with their work. A number of mental health programs specifically designed to assist first responders with their mental health needs are part of Governor Hochul’s $1 billion comprehensive multi-year plan to overhaul the continuum of mental health care...
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