Lupinacci Launches Petition to Keep Sagamore

Assemb. Chad Lupinacci has set up an online petition to oppose the cutbacks in services at Sagamore Children's Psychiatric Center in Dix Hills.

The Office of Mental Health (OMH) has proposed ending in-patient services at Sagamore, sending many children suffering from mental health aliments to Queens or the Bronx for care.

Chad Lupinacci, R-Huntington Station, said the center "“has a long history of providing quality and accessible care to many children suffering from psychological issues. “I strongly encourage residents across Long Island to show their support for our children and the facility at Sagamore. The staff at Sagamore are an integral part of our community, and I will continue to work to ensure the facility remains open and thriving and that all alternative avenues are explored to best serve the needs of our children, OMH and the staff at Sagamore.”

The Town Board of Huntington has also weighed in to support keeping the facility open for in-patient services.   

“Unfortunately, the proposal put forward by OMH would be detrimental to the long-term health of our young people and our community. We have a responsibility to provide quality mental health services to those in need, especially the children, and that’s why I’m working hard to ensure those services continue,” Lupinacci said.