Affiliate Spotlight: NYS CLMHD

Affiliate Spotlight

NYS Conference of Local Mental Hygiene Directors

The New York State Conference of Local Mental Hygiene Directors (the Conference) is a statewide membership organization that has represented the Directors of Community Services (DCS)/County Mental Health Commissioners for each of New York’s 57 counties and New York City since 1976.

As the CEO of their Local Governmental Unit (LGU), DCSs/ County Mental Health Commissioners oversee and manage the local mental hygiene system and develop, implement, and plan for services and supports for adults and children with mental illness, addiction, and intellectual/developmental disabilities.

Cross-system coordination between and among multiple services is the primary role of the DCS/LGU. The needs of the individuals they serve are complex and extend beyond the scope of behavioral health care and into other distinct areas, such as housing, public benefits, the criminal justice system and the county jail. The role of the LGU in the local mental hygiene system varies from running direct clinic services which is especially critical in many rural areas of the State, to annual services planning to establish local priorities, needs and outcomes for the coming year. These local services plans (LSPs) are developed in collaboration with the State’s mental hygiene agencies, local providers, consumers, and other community members.

The Conference itself works to further the voice and expertise of these dedicated professionals and to maintain and strengthen the roles they play in communities across New York State. To accomplish these goals, the Conference focuses on five core values:

Collaboration

Fostering partnerships with stakeholders to develop solutions.

Innovation

Solving problems through being flexible, creative, and adaptable

Advocacy

Promoting responsible public policy to address the needs of the people in our diverse communities.

Credibility

The Conference is accountable to its members, partners, and stakeholders through their depth of knowledge, experience, and follow-through.

Quality

The Conference is committed to excellence in their work.

By speaking with a unified voice, the Conference advances public policy and advocates for optimal quality of life for people impacted by mental illness, addiction and/or intellectual/ developmental disabilities.

To learn more about the New York State Conference of Local Mental Hygiene Directors, visit http://www.clmhd.org/.