WAVERLY, NY (WENY) -- The Tioga County N.Y. Legislature has been discussing the possibility of a Mental Health Clinic in Waverly since 2014. However, it wasn't until about three to four years ago that things began to fall into place.
"I think the more access somebody has for care, the better off we'll be as a society. I think that there's some real struggling going on in the community and this is just getting rid of one barrier," said Director of Community Services for Tioga County, NY, Lori Morgan.
The new clinic is located at 32 Ithaca St. in Waverly, behind the Village's Municipal Building. It will provide outpatient mental health services, psychiatric, and substance misuse services including Peer Advocacy.
Village of Waverly Mayor Andrew Aronstam said mental health issues are an epidemic in the U.S. He said one reason it's difficult for residents to get the help they need is because of transportation.
"When you're in a county like this, there's not a lot of great transportation, and [there's] significant distances between towns. It was very difficult for the citizens of Waverly and the immediate surrounding areas to get [to] those facilities. This is going to address this directly and I believe be a great benefit to the underserved members of the community," said Mayor Aronstam.
Mayor Aronstam also encourages people who are struggling with mental health or substance abuse to get the help they need.
"If you or any of your loved ones are experiencing a healthcare issue [like] depression [or] substance abuse, all [of] these issues can be addressed here and now locally. [This] is a huge benefit for this community," said Mayor Aronstam.
He added, "There's no stigma attached to it anymore. Please, get in touch with the clinic, make yourself an appointment, come in, and start getting better."
Tioga Co. Legislator Dennis Mullen said this new clinic will provide much-needed services to the area.
"It's desperately needed in today's world. We have opioid issues in Tioga County (NY), [and] we have drug addiction and mental health issues. But the reason it's open is accessibility. It allows for people suffering [and] takes away one of the roadblocks from stepping into recovery," said Mullen.
The clinic will officially open on Monday, December 9th. To start, they'll be able to treat between 20 and 30 people and that number will grow over time.