Mental health issues and awareness of addressing these issues have become more and more prevalent in recent years.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, access to affordable, quality mental healthcare has been on the decline. Clinics have closed or limited their operations, leaving existing clinics with long waitlists. But the good news, of course, are the many community-first people and organizations that are working tirelessly to combat these issues.
Locally, one such organization is the Youth Enrichment Services (YES). YES was founded in 1987 as a way to promote youth empowerment, and emphasizes creating safe and healthy environments for youth and their families. Previously, YES’ Mental Health Services Division operated out of Islip Town Hall West, serving over 150 youth and families per year.
To meet the demand and expand their reach, YES opened a new state-of-the-art Youth Enrichment Services Mental Health Clinic in the heart of Brentwood. The new facility, grandly unveiled in an official ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, October 14, was made possible through grant funding secured from the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, and will allow the non-profit to serve an additional 250 youth and families each year.
The Association for Mental Health and Wellness (MHAW) released its annual State of Mental Health in America report last week as well. New York was ranked eighth out of the 50 states in terms of adequate mental health access and prevalence measures.
“The report points to a serious crisis, especially around youth mental health, substance use, and access to care,” said Colleen Merlo, CEO of the Association for Mental Health and Wellness, a non-profit organization based in Ronkonkoma. “As a nation, we need to do more to address and prioritize emotional health. Everyone should have swift access to appropriate care and the ability to live a healthy and meaningful life.”
Fifty-eight percent of New Yorkers experiencing a mental illness received no treatment, with access and cost noted as the primary reasons, according to the report.
Thankfully, YES is looking to improve these statistics with its big move into Brentwood. Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter was on hand to assist with the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting along with Town Councilwoman, Mary Kate Mullen; YES Executive Director, MaryAnn Pfeiffer; NYS Senator, Phil Boyle; Suffolk County Legislator, Steve Flotteron; Brentwood School Superintendent; Richard Loeschner; Brentwood School Board member Hassan Ahmed among others. The new clinic will serve Brentwood, North Bay Shore and Central Islip. It is fully staffed with highly trained bilingual professionals and expands services into communities lacking quality mental health services.
“Services provided by YES’ dedicated team of professionals affords much-needed healthcare to many in our communities who may not otherwise get the help they need for their child or themselves,” said Supervisor Carpenter.
“We are truly grateful to these extraordinary clinicians who teach healthy coping mechanisms to those struggling with their mental health.”
