As Thousands on LI Struggle with Mental Health/Addiction, NY State Awards Half-Million Dollar Grant to Update Major Outpatient Facility

LongIsland.com

The New York State Dormitory Authority announced last week a $561,000 grant to nonprofit CN Guidance & Counseling Services to enable needed upgrades.

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Hicksville, NY - January 11, 2017 - Demonstrating commitment to the treatment and recovery of Long Island residents facing mental health and substance use disorders, the New York State Dormitory Authority announced last week a $561,000 grant to nonprofit CN Guidance & Counseling Services to enable needed upgrades to the organization’s main client-serving facility in Hicksville. The funding will allow improvements to client and staff accessibility, comfort, security, and efficiency at 950 South Oyster Bay Road.

CN Guidance is a local leader in delivering behavioral health services to individuals and families, helping over 4,600 people annually—especially those facing financial hardship. The agency holds an uncommon Integrated Outpatient Services license, meaning clients can receive substance use disorder treatment and/or mental health treatment together, at the same site. Many L.I. residents suffer from co-occurring disorders, like depression and alcoholism.

The grant announcement, applauded by community leaders, comes during an unprecedented epidemic of heroin and prescription drug dependency, with record fatalities on Long Island, and in the aftermath of the U.S. Surgeon General’s historic November “Facing Addiction in America” report denoting that 90 percent of people with a substance use disorder are not getting treatment.

“This grant from New York State means fewer barriers to service for individuals and families struggling with addiction or facing mental health issues,” said CN Guidance CEO Jeffrey Friedman. “When someone takes the courageous step of seeking help, we need them to feel comfortable, safe, and confident immediately. This grant will improve physical infrastructure—and, at its heart, that translates into preserving and enhancing people’s confidence and persistence in recovery.”

Improvements to the 25,000 square-foot facility will comprise updating and enhancing accessibility of four restrooms; overhauling an aging 46,000-square foot parking lot before it limits access for some clients with disabilities; and adding numerous indoor and outdoor security features to increase clients’ and staff’s safety, ranging from a sturdy perimeter fence to video surveillance, a new alarm system, and other features to allow instant response in the event of a crisis. The improvements—to occur in a phased rollout between January and September 2017—are aimed at promoting strong engagement and retention of both clients and staff so that families affected by mental health disorders and substance use can experience maximum recovery.

About Central Nassau Guidance and Counseling Services
CN Guidance & Counseling Services is one of the region's leading mental health, behavioral, and addiction-related service providers. Established in 1972, the mission of this nonprofit organization is to improve the quality of life for individuals and families on Long Island affected by mental health and/or substance use disorders. It succeeds by providing integration of clinical treatment, housing opportunities, social and support services, counseling, and guidance to individuals, families and the community. CN Guidance has been a leader in providing outreach, supports, and counseling to community members during peaceful and traumatic times alike.