O'Mara: On Saturday, November 23, 'two great events for two critical local causes' (UPDATED, November 25th)

Elmira, N.Y., November 22— State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C-Big Flats) today reminded area residents that two events will take place in Elmira on Saturday, November 23rd, that offer ongoing opportunities to support the Elmira Psychiatric Center and the Monterey Shock Incarceration Correctional Facility in Schuyler County.

"These are two great events for two critical local causes.  They’re great opportunities for all of us to keep on demonstrating our strong support for two of this region’s most important employers and community services providers,” said O’Mara.  “We can rally and walk for the Elmira Psychiatric Center in the morning, then turn First Arena orange on Saturday night to support Monterey Shock.” 

In early July, the administration of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced a plan to eliminate inpatient services at and diminish the overall role of the Elmira Psychiatric Center as part of a statewide Office of Mental Health reorganization plan, beginning next year.  In late July, the administration unveiled its plan to close the Monterey Shock Incarceration facility next year.

Since then, O’Mara has joined other local business, community and government leaders – along with employees and staff of each of the facilities – to organize grassroots efforts urging the governor to reconsider the decisions.

O’Mara encouraged local turnout at the following rallies in Elmira on Saturday:

-- a public rally to Save the Elmira Psychiatric Center beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the Clemens Center in Elmira (207 Clemens Center Parkway).  The rally will be followed by a “community walk” around the grounds of the center. Read more; and

-- at First Arena on Saturday night, the Elmira Jackals are hosting a “Save Monterey Shock” rally.  The first 1,000 fans through the door wearing an orange “Save Monterey” T-shirt will receive a discounted admission ticket. Read more.

UPDATED, November 25: see local news stories on Saturday's rallies below from:

Star-Gazette, "Hundreds rally to keep Elmira Psychiatric Center open"

The Leader, "Elmira Psychiatric Center supporters speak out"

WETM-TV, "Rally Held to Save the Elmira Psychiatric Center"

WETM-TV, "Rally for Monterey Shock held at Jackals game"