Each May, during Mental Health Awareness Month, we are reminded of something fundamental to Rockland County’s strength: our community thrives when every resident can access the support, respect, and care they deserve. Mental health is not a side issue — it is essential to individual and public health, family stability, and community safety. Over the past year, our Department of Mental Health has made meaningful progress that reflects our shared commitment to the wellbeing of every Rocklander.
In 2025, we continued to build a stronger, more responsive system of care. One of our most important achievements was the soft launch of Rockland’s new Behavioral Health Helpline on December 1. For the first time, residents have a central place to turn for information, assistance, crisis support, and mobile response anywhere in the county. In the year ahead, we will make this service even more accessible with a simple, memorable phone number.
We also advanced our efforts to combat the opioid epidemic. Using Opioid Settlement funds, we supported the opening of Rockland’s second Oxford House, creating 10 new recovery beds for women and women with children, while expanding access to lifesaving tools like Narcan. These and other collaborative efforts contributed to a 6.5% reduction in drug‑related deaths in 2025.
Our work to reduce stigma and strengthen community understanding and support continued as well. More than 300 local providers, educators, law enforcement officers, and first responders were trained in autism and neurodivergence awareness, helping ensure residents receive compassionate, informed care during vulnerable moments. We also expanded recreational opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities and assisted more than 80 families applying for NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) services.
Looking ahead to 2026, we plan to establish a psychosocial club for adults with serious mental illness, expand services for children ages five and under, broaden OPWDD navigation support, and create a farm‑based after‑school program to build social and self‑regulation skills. We will also enhance housing support services and move forward with harm‑reduction vending machines and an overdose fatality review board, among other key initiatives.
During Mental Health Awareness Month, I want to be clear: Rockland County will continue to support the development of compassionate, forward-thinking services that align with the needs of our residents.
Together, we are building a community where every resident has the opportunity to be safe, supported, and hopeful.
