Broome Mental Health Clinic Patients to Transfer

While some Broome County lawmakers are criticizing what they say is the surprise announcement that the Broome Mental Health Clinic will be closing, other agencies in the county have apparently been making plans for some time for taking in clients once the Binghamton facility ceases operations.

Deputy Executive Director of the Family and Children’s Society, Diane Kubik, told Southern Tier Close Up, airing this Saturday at 12:10 p.m. on WNBF, that the agency has been preparing to take in some of those currently being served by the County clinic.

Legislator Jason Garnar said any proposal to close the clinic should have involved public and legislative input.

The County is expecting to save $125,000 with the planned closure that was publicized last week.

Officials with the clinic say they have been dealing with serious reductions in funding, including Medicaid reimbursements, have fewer staff members and fewer clients than other programs including those operated by Family and Children’s Society and United Health Services.

Dozens of residents yesterday gathered in front of the clinic on State Street to protest the announced closure.