BY PAUL MITCHELL
North Country This Week

CANTON – A Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) CARES Act grant will allow the United Helpers Behavioral Health Clinic in Canton to increase its professional staff by 12 employees.

The Canton clinic, located at 22 State Highway 310, currently serves more than 300 people, about a third of whom are under 18 years of age, noted Dave Nelson, director of Behavioral Health Services.

The $611,974 in funding is budgeted to go directly for salaries. Nelson reported that six licensed clinical social workers and licensed mental health coordinators, and six care coordinators will be hired.

United Helpers also operates a Behavioral Health Clinic at 221 Hamilton St., Ogdensburg.

“Services for children, youth and families is a pressing need in our area, and United Helpers is determined to provide care wherever and however it is needed most. Providing services in schools allows students to get their treatment needs met while minimizing distractions to their education,” said Nelson.

“As the need for mental health care in our community grows, so must the organizations providing care. The United Helpers Clinic and Care Coordination programs have been growing in the last two years and this grant continues the momentum,” he continued

Nelson voiced accolades to Canton’s Director of Economic Development Leigh Rodriguez, members of the village board and United Helpers’ vice president of development Christa Carroll for securing the CDBG CARES Act funding.

“Huge gratitude to Leigh and the village board for recognizing community need and for partnering with Christa to bring help to Canton,” stated Nelson. “This grant will be used to make a difference in the lives of literally hundreds of people. Providing life-changing access, life-saving access to mental health services for more than 400 people in and around Canton will go a long way toward improving community safety and quality of life.”

“We are thankful to the State of New York for this grant funding, and their recognition of our efforts to provide behavioral health services to the people of Northern New York, stated Carroll, in a press release. “I am thankful to Dave and everyone from the village, especially Leigh Rodriguez, who worked so very hard on this grant application. We are excited about helping many more people.”

Nelson pointed out that in 2021, the Canton Clinic averaged 38 referrals a month. In 2022, that number climbed to 46.

“The money for salaries allows us to hire more people to see more referrals. It is expected that we will serve an additional 432 people in and around Canton,” he said.

Nelson said United Helpers is committed to the ever-increased issues surrounding mental health. United Helpers currently provides clinic and therapy services at Norwood-Norfolk Central School and Care Coordination is partnering with Norwood-Norfolk and Potsdam Central School.

“Services for children, youth and families is a pressing need in our area, and United Helpers is determined to provide care wherever and however it is needed most. Providing services in schools allows students to get their treatment needs met while minimizing distractions to their education,” Nelson added.

For more information about counseling or therapy services, call 315-386-0264 for services in Canton or 315-541-3042 for services in Ogdensburg.

Services are offered to people of all ages, with Medicare, Medicaid, and most insurances accepted. Services may also be offered in-person or remotely.