Following the completion of a comprehensive, two-day peer services training for all staff, conducted by The Alliance for Rights and Recovery, Behavioral Health Services North (BHSN) has officially expanded its services to include a more robust peer program of Certified Recovery Peer Advocates. The Alliance’s Peer Services Training program strengthens BHSN’s efforts to improve behavioral health care and provide peer support services. BHSN's participation in this training is a commitment to data-driven, evidence-based professional development and continuous improvement of the support services provided to communities served. The two-day training aligned with statewide efforts to expand and professionalize the peer workforce. Peer advocates are individuals with lived experience of mental illness or substance use recovery, and are increasingly recognized and utilized by the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) as a critical component of effective, person-centered behavioral health care. Peer advocates are essential to mental wellness and recovery as they offer a uniquely relatable perspective of life while navigating mental health and/or substance use challenges. Their role is not clinical – it’s interpersonal. Peers support understanding and foster engagement with individuals who are seeking help. They help BHSN deliver services with meaningful inclusion, integrity, and connection to back it. Because peer advocates draw on personal experience with recovery, they are uniquely positioned to build trust, model hope, and help individuals reconnect with their communities. Peers know a thing or two because they have seen a thing or two. When an individual served sees that the person they are talking to really “gets it” on a fundamentally deeper, personal level, it leads to transcendent care and breakthroughs in recovery. According to Mental Health America's 2019 Evidence for Peer Support report, individuals paired with a peer mentor after psychiatric hospitalization had significantly fewer hospital days and rehospitalizations, and in one recent study, doubled their average time to rehospitalization compared to those receiving standard post-discharge care. Data from the Alliance for Rights and Recovery’s (formerly the New York Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services) Peer Bridger model also demonstrates the measurable impact of this work. Compared to individuals who did not receive peer support, participation in New York's Peer Bridger program resulted in: 47.9% decrease in the number of people using inpatient psychiatric services; 62.5% decrease in the number of inpatient days; 28.0% increase in outpatient visits; and 47.1% decrease in total behavioral health costs. Peers are joining a recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, interdisciplinary team to contribute their perspective through a different lens of care. Peers make sure individuals served have a voice at the table when it comes to their care. The peer brings up their individual’s wants and needs during staff supervision to ensure a person-centered approach is upheld. Advocacy is at the heart of this initiative. “By expanding our peer infrastructure, we hope to build upon the strong peer network already present in our community. In collaboration with the Alliance for Rights and Recovery, we are providing the education, support, and training needed to strengthen and sustain this workforce,” said BHSN President & CEO Katherine Cook. “At the heart of the peer model are authentic, equitable relationships and an understanding that many people seeking help have experienced challenges within the behavioral health system. Centering the wisdom and voice of lived experience will help all of us better meet the needs of the individuals and communities we serve.” Peers are guided and trained on how to strategically share and disclose their lived experience with purpose and appropriate boundaries to help facilitate healing. This disclosure can be as simple as “I experienced [X] as a result of my mental health and substance use challenges. In that moment, that made me feel [x,y,z], so I know how you feel. But I overcame it, and if recovery is possible for me, it’s possible for you too!” Peers are beacons of hope. They are active members of our communities. They are real and they are here for one another. “Peer support works because it offers something fundamentally different: relationships grounded in shared experience, hope, choice and the belief that people can and do recover. But simply hiring peers isn’t enough,” said Shannon Higbee, Chief Strategy Officer, The Alliance for Rights and Recovery. “Organizations need to understand and protect what makes the role unique. BHSN has really leaned into that work, not just with peer staff, but across the organization, building the understanding, support and culture that allow peers to do what they do best, which is connect with people in ways that open up new possibilities for recovery and a meaningful life in the community.” While peers are not clinical, that does not mean they are without structure and support themselves. Peers are supervised by BHSN staff in a professional and collaborative manner to deliver services ethically and competently; supervisors are there every step of the way to offer guidance to and collaborate with peers in continually improving each other’s skills. Peer supervisors give peers the tools to be collaborative, accountable, supportive, flexible, consistent, culturally-responsive and equity-centered. Supervisors help catch burnout and drift quickly by working to meet the peer where they are at in order for them to then meet their individual(s) where they are at. “Equipping our team with this advanced training allows us to meet individuals right where they are in their recovery,” said Meghan Mitchell, Coordinator of Peer Services, BHSN Queensbury Center for Wellbeing. “Peer support is rooted in empathy, shared experience, and trust, and expanding these skills ensures our local communities receive the most compassionate, effective care possible.” This experience is strength-based and growth-focused. What experiences and skills do these peers have that help them breakthrough to their individuals? What tools are we giving peers to grow and actualize, themselves? Those questions drive the integrity of BHSN’s Peer Program. “[Peers] are resilient! No other role asks you to bring yourself to work the way that peer support ask you to,” said Higbee. This helpful reminder is important for maintaining mutual respect and trust between staff, peers, and individuals served – which is at the heart of everything we do at BHSN. By completing this training, BHSN staff are better equipped to deliver peer-driven services rooted in hope, choice, self-determination, and mutuality, which are core recovery principles that have consistently been linked to improved outcomes for individuals across New York State.

"In [our] eyes, you are the best parents you can be. We are happy you let us be part of your lives,” said Esther Piper, Director of Healthy Families New York (HFNY), a program of BHSN in the North Country, during her heart-felt commencement speech. One at a time, families filed into the event patio of Pizza Palace, a locally loved Plattsburgh eatery. Balloons littered the floor in a sea of color, the smell of pizza filled the room, and a banner reading “Congratulations Graduates” draped down from the burgundy walls. Atop each family’s table laid a formal red graduation cap and gown ready to be donned – a reminder of how important this moment is. Healthy Families New York gathered program participants from Clinton, Essex, and Warren counties to celebrate eight graduates during August 2026, including the first families to graduate from Warren and Essex Counties. Healthy Families New York is a voluntary and free program of BHSN that provides personalized, in-home support to help parents build the strongest possible foundation for their child's well-being and their family's success. The underlying philosophy behind HFNY is to help facilitate positive parent-child relationships, even before birth, as it is the key to healthy development. Enrolled families work closely with highly trained home visitors for up to 5 years. services are research-based and focus on creating a fun, interactive, and supportive experience. HFNY works with families to develop individualized family goal plans, connect them with community resources, and empower them with the skills necessary to navigate parenthood successfully. "Our graduating families collectively completed 592 home visits -- that's a lot of answering the door," emphasized HFNY Program Supervisor Holly Kipp. A family completes the program after the child enrolls in Head Start or a Pre-K program, has learned nurturing parenting techniques, and knows how to create and accomplish family goals. While not an exhaustive list, these are among some of the benchmarks of success in the program. “[Healthy Families] is such a great support system. Anything we needed -- they were there for us. I couldn’t ask for better,” said Kelly Forshay, celebrating two of her children who have successfully completed the semester. “Seeing my girls grow into the little ones they are today . . .” Forshay trails off as she reflects with a smile on her face, “. . . it’s amazing.” HFNY is there for the big moments just as much as they are there for the small ones. They become a second family to the very families they serve. “Our home visitor, Natalie was there when one of my daughters said her first words, and Natalie shared the excitement that I shared in that moment.” Each graduate was celebrated with a certificate of completion and a photo to capture the moment. After the ceremony, families were treated to a full meal of salad, pasta, pizza, and dessert to seal this memory of achievement in our youth participants’ minds. “Learning how to better parent my children and have a better relationship with my children means the world to me,” concluded Forshay. Through every milestone, goal met, and memory made, these individuals have truly become family to the BHSN team.

Nothing grounds a morning quite like a fresh, hot cup of coffee, except maybe a genuine, face-to-face conversation with leadership. At BHSN, we believe that providing high-quality care to our community starts with building a supportive, connected culture inside our own walls. That commitment begins on day one. BHSN’s President and CEO Katherine Cook sits down with our newest members in Queensbury and Plattsburgh for a warm, post-onboarding tradition: Koffee with Katherine. These candid, small-group sessions give new hires a direct line to executive leadership over fresh coffee, creating a space where open dialogue, fresh ideas, and genuine connection can thrive without the barrier of formal agendas. Why Open Dialogue Matters Navigating a new organization always comes with a learning curve, but BHSN is dedicated to making sure every team member feels heard, seen, and valued from the very start. During these informal roundtables, our newest staff members are encouraged to share their initial impressions and actively shape their employee experience. Key discussions center around: Open, Two-Way Feedback: Giving new hires an immediate platform to share insights on onboarding and operational support. Direct Access to Leadership: Building approachable relationships with executive leadership right out of the gate. Mission Alignment: Connecting individual roles, from clinical support to administrative operations, directly to BHSN’s regional impact. Investing in our Regional Campuses With teams spanning across Queensbury and Plattsburgh, initiatives like Koffee with Katherine help bridge our regional locations, ensuring a unified sense of purpose across all BHSN programs. By prioritizing transparent communication and authentic connection, BHSN continues to foster an environment where dedicated professionals feel empowered to do their best work in service of our community. Growing Together We are thrilled to welcome our newest colleagues to the BHSN family! Their energy, diverse backgrounds, and fresh perspective reinforced our mission every day. Interested in joining a team that values your voice and invests in your growth? Explore our current career opportunities at BHSN and help us make a difference in our community.

A crowd gathers around as a heavy splash is heard. Another ball is thrown, another target hit, and another bucket of water spills onto the BHSN team member volunteering to sit in the dunk tank . Cheers (and playful jeers) erupt over the live music playing in the background. The Summer Bash is in full effect. Everybody needs a break now and then to maintain their mental and physical wellness. To do your best work, you need to feel your best -- which includes embracing playfulness. And this event was exactly what the doctor ordered! Behavioral Health Services North held its annual Summer Bash events at both of its Centers for Well-Being in Queensbury and Morrisonville. This event is a staff appreciation initiative aimed at giving BHSN’s heroes the opportunity to press pause, let their hair down, and be recognized for their hard work. Large, outdoor games litter the lawn, inviting friendly competition and casual conversation. The DJ lends his microphone to a group of off-the-clock clinicians and care navigators as they break out into a lively impromptu karaoke session – belting out upbeat 90’s classics. Staff are having fun and the energy is palpable. Local food trucks line the parking lot of the Center for Well-Being, offering employees free meals, refreshing drinks, and delicious ice cream. Among the businesses providing flavorful food include Adirondack Food Therapy, Papa Dukes, Cooley Ice Cream, and The Hungry Traveler. Across the lot resides a baby goat, a family of ducklings, a pair of bunnies, a friendly horse, and a chicken -- all relaxing in the shade and soaking up affection from fawning staff members who have come over to say “hello.” To everyone’s excitement, Kickin’ Up Dust Farm and Adirondack Dream Catcher Farm appeared with some of their particularly friendly pets. On this sunny day of bonding and team building, BHSN staff, board members, and senior leadership came together to play games, enjoy live music, dig into hearty cook-out meals provided by local businesses, commune with therapeutic farm animals, relax, and mingle. It was a meaningful day of camaraderie and true appreciation for one another. “There aren't many employers in the area that give back to their employees the way that BHSN does. Events such as these are always appreciated!” exclaimed one BHSN employee. “Each year gets better and better,” said another.

When we talk about total health and wellness, it is easy to focus on physical fitness, mindfulness, or mental health resources. These elements form the foundation of how we care for ourselves day in and day out. But there is another critical piece of the wellness puzzle that often sits quietly in the background, influencing our daily stress levels and long-term peace of mind: financial wellness. Recognizing that peace of mind extends to our personal lives and bank accounts, the BHSN Wellness Committee recently partnered with financial experts from New York Life to host a series of interactive Financial Wellness Sessions. Designed exclusively for BHSN team members, these sessions were brought directly to our regional campuses in both Queensbury and Plattsburgh. The goal was simple – demystify personal finance and provide clear, top-line strategies to help our staff build confidence, manage everyday expenses, and plan for the future. Why Financial Wellness Matters at BHSN As an organization dedicated to supporting health, healing, and behavioral wellness across our communities, BHSN knows how interconnected human wellbeing truly is. Mental, emotional, physical, and financial health do not exist in separate bubbles; they truly influence one another. Did you know? Financial stress remains one of the top causes of daily anxiety across the workforce nationwide. When individuals feel supported in managing their finances, it reduces overall stress, boosts everyday morale, and enhances overall quality of life. Our team members give so much of their energy and heart to supporting individuals and families throughout the North Country and Capital District. The Wellness Committee wanted to ensure that our staff receive the same level of care and support in return. Partnering with New York Life for these sessions allowed us to create a comfortable, encouraging environment where employees could step back from their daily routines, reflect on their personal goals, and learn practical habits to make their money work smarter for them. Personalizing the Journey: One-on-One Consultations While the group presentations were helpful for introducing general concepts, personal finance is inherently personal. Everyone’s situation is unique, an early-career professional saving for their first home faces very different questions than a seasoned member preparing for retirement. To ensure everyone received meaningful support, our partners from New York Life generously offered individual, one-on-one sessions for BHSN employees following the group presentations. Looking Ahead Stay tuned for upcoming announcements from the Wellness Committee as we continue to roll out new initiatives aimed at keeping our team healthy, supported, and empowered.

Plattsburgh, NY — Small flecks of rain were broken up with persistent rays of sunshine as BHSN’s Community Roots Garden officially took root on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at the Center for Well-Being in Morrisonville, NY. Behavioral Health Services North invited community members to join as it welcomed this new addition to its Plattsburgh campus. Assemblyman Michael Cashman, representatives from the City of Plattsburgh as well as the Governor’s Office, BHSN’s CEO Katherine Cook, garden volunteers, and individuals served were all in attendance. Cook, Cashman, and garden facilitator Jason Redmond shared a few inspiring words on what this garden means to our local community as it made its debut. Cook emphasized that “food is the true act of faith; when you plant a seed, you are putting faith into the world that it will grow.” “This garden represents connection: everyone can grow here. I can't think of a more fitting space to accompany the work [BHSN does],” said Cashman. These beautiful words were spoken prior to the ribbon-cutting ceremony, where a thematic, burlap ribbon was sheered in half with a giant pair of novelty scissors. Following the symbolic “snip,” event attendees made their way up to the garden beds where they enjoyed light refreshments while admiring the vibrant green sprouts lining each plot of soil. The kick-off event saw an incredible turnout, with Assemblyman Cashman even rolling up his metaphorical sleeves and contributing to the garden too. The Community Roots Garden is a 100% volunteer-run collaboration between BHSN, the individuals we serve, and local volunteers. It is built on a model of shared abundance: as a token of BHSN's appreciation, volunteers may reap 40% of the produce when it is time to harvest, while individuals served by BHSN programs will benefit from the remaining 60%. In time, the team involved with the garden hope to extend the harvest to local food shelves, such as JCEO, the Plattsburgh Interfaith Food Shelf, and St. Joseph’s Church, to help those outside the organization’s walls who are struggling with food insecurity. “We are trying to make a positive difference in the health and food security of our community -- which includes the people we serve, the community at large, and our employees,” said Jason Redmond, BHSN’s Development & Grant Specialist and facilitator of the Community Roots Garden. In addition to the volunteers’ hard work, this garden is made possible by generous sponsorships provided by partnering organizations. The Square Foot Gardening Foundation offers a practical, low-cost solution to food insecurity by enabling individuals, families, schools, and communities to grow significant amounts of fresh produce in small spaces using minimal land, water, and resources. This is specifically designed to be accessible to people with limited gardening experience, limited physical ability, and limited access to traditional growing space. The Square Foot Gardening Foundation gifted this project a $2,500 grant to construct and fill 15 raised garden beds. These beds include tomatoes, lettuce, squash, beans, and much more. Plattsburgh’s local Runnings pledged a $1,000 in-kind donation to help BHSN equip the garden with deer fencing to mitigate wildlife from helping themselves to the planted fruits and vegetables. By transforming small parcels of land, vacant lots, school grounds, a nd even urban spaces into productive gardens, communities can increase access to nutritious food, build self-sufficiency, reduce grocery costs, and strengthen local food resilience. BHSN is proud to be one of these sites. BHSN is still actively inviting community partners to join the growth and sponsor their very own garden bed. To do so, please reach out via jredmond@bhsn.org.

February has been a whirlwind, but at BHSN, we know that the heart of our mission is our people. This month, we hit “pause” on our busy schedules to prioritize what matters most: our health and well-being. We are thrilled to celebrate the success of our First Annual Employee Wellness Fair, hosted across our Queensbury and Plattsburgh locations. Strengthening our Team, Onsite and Remote One of the most rewarding aspects of the fair was seeing our community come together. Whether they work in our onsite clinics or provide vital care via telehealth, our staff stepped away from their screens and offices to connect in person. It was a powerful reminder that while we serve our community in different ways, we are one team dedicated to elevating well-being. Interactive Learning & “Passport” Fun The energy at both the Queensbury Training Room and the Plattsburgh Center for Wellbeing was electric. Staff explored a variety of interactive stations designed to provide practical, everyday health hacks: Nutritional Fuel: Learning to “Build-a-Bowl" for sustained energy, while diving into the science of gut health. Staff explored the benefits of prebiotics and probiotics to support digestion and boost the immune system. Movement & Mindfulness: Engaging in yoga, breathwork, and quick mobility resets to combat the workday slump. Health Milestones: Checking in on blood pressure and setting personalized wellness goals. Bio-Hacking Health: Discovering the science of hydration and how to boost “happy chemicals” naturally. Pause ‘N Play: Taking a much-needed break for fun and games to spark creativity and connection. The Power of Gratitude: Reflecting on positive moments and sharing appreciation for our colleagues. Cultivating a Culture of Care At BHSN, we believe that an investment in employee wellness is an investment in the quality of care we provide to our community. When we take the time to refuel and reset, we can show up even stronger for the individuals and families who rely on us. Thank you to everyone who made our first annual employee wellness fair a resounding success! Watch the highlights here:

This year’s Chalk the Walk was a special milestone for us. It marked the 5th Anniversary of hosting this collaborative community event! As proud members of the Warren Washington County Brainstorm Committee, we have watched this event grow from a small, hopeful gathering into a true regional tradition. The energy this year was unmatched. We set a beautiful new benchmark with over 60 community organizations participating, completely filling the park with resources, activities, and mutual support. Even better, more than 300 visitors and community members joined us throughout the day to celebrate brain health, mental wellness, and recovery. Passing on the Kindness Our theme this year was “Passing on the Kindness,” and our community took that message to heart. Armed with boxes of chalk, kids, families, neighbors, and local business teams transformed the parks’ walkways into a brilliant canvas of positivity, empowerment, and hope. Over on the Maple Street side of the park, our Live Art Experience was a massive highlight. The committee drew deep inspiration from history’s greatest artists who navigated their own profound struggles facing mental health challenges, substance use, physical pain, and personal hardships yet used creativity to express raw emotion, process suffering, and transform adversity into something deeply meaningful. We were particularly proud to watch our very own Emma Caton, a dedicated clinician on the BHSN team, take part by creating deeply moving, meaningful street art. Her pieces perfectly captured the heart of our mission: that healing is a journey we walk together, fueled by compassion and understanding. Where Care Meets Connection At BHSN, we often say that we don’t just offer care; we offer connection. Events like Chalk the Walk allow us to bring that philosophy to life right where our neighbors live and work. Throughout the event, our group, including our wonderful Healthy Families NY team, had the privilege of sharing vital wellness resources with the public and connecting directly with families. The most profound moments, however, came quietly. We were deeply moved by several individuals we serve who dropped by our booth just to catch up, enjoy the art, and share heartfelt words of gratitude for the support and guidance BHSN has provided them on their personal wellness journeys. Hearing firsthand how our person-centered services make lasting, tangible difference is the best reminder of why we do what we do. Thank you to everyone who showed up, grabbed a piece of chalk, shared resources, or simply stopped by to lend your support. Your presence and participation make an undeniable impact. Because of you, our sidewalks at Glens Falls City Park are not just brighter; our entire community is stronger, more inclusive, and filled with a little more kindness. Here’s to many more years of creating safe spaces, fostering belonging, and promoting holistic paths to recovery!

PLATTSBURGH, NY – The sun sets, the game ends, and the BHSN Blue Jays take home their first win of the 2026 season with a landslide score of 14-0 on Wednesday, June 3, in Au Sable Forks. Sponsored by BHSN, the Blue Jays are a team of vibrant young softball players ranging from six to nine years old. This year, all players are in the “Grasshoppers” division, which consists of first-, second-, and third-graders. In this division, these players transition to hitting from coach pitch every other inning -- a deliberate structure that helps them build confidence, hone their hand-eye coordination, and develop foundational skills without the pressure of a fast-pitch environment. As summer rounds the corner, the team enters their second year on the field led by head coach Taryn Desroches, who also serves as the Clinical Director of Operations at Behavioral Health Services North (BHSN) Center for Wellbeing. The team’s dedicated coaching staff also includes assistant coaches Jeremy Desroches and Jennifer McCasland, a local teacher with the Beekmantown Central School District. Taryn Desroches, who has previous experience coaching youth softball, knew BHSN was a perfect fit for the league because of its commitment to supporting children, families, and overall wellness in our community. “We work hard to make sure as many children as possible have the opportunity to play, with the goal of avoiding waitlists whenever possible,” said Desroches. The team maintains an active schedule to keep the kids engaged and moving. At the beginning of the season, players practice twice per week. Once the games begin, teams typically play two games per week -- on Wednesdays and Saturdays -- and continue with one practice each week. For the Blue Jays, the scoreboard is only a small piece of the puzzle. The goal of the team is to create a fun, supportive, and positive environment where children can learn the fundamentals of softball while building confidence, friendships, and healthy habits. “As a team sponsored by BHSN, we recognize the importance of supporting children's social and emotional well-being. We want every player to feel included, encouraged, and valued, regardless of their skill level. Our focus is on growth, teamwork, resilience, and helping children develop a lifelong love of sports and being active in their community,” said Desroches. The team teaches these young athletes to develop skills in sportsmanship, communication, responsibility, patience, and perseverance. Players learn how to encourage their teammates, work through challenges, celebrate successes, and build confidence both on and off the field. These experiences help strengthen their physical and mental well-being while teaching valuable life skills they can carry with them as they grow, make new friends, and learn from one another. Players enroll through the Town of Plattsburgh Recreation Program. This program was created to give local children an affordable and accessible opportunity to learn the game, stay active, and be part of a team. Coaches volunteer their time, and teams rely on community sponsors for support. The Recreation Program is open to any child who lives within the Town of Plattsburgh. The Blue Jays team primarily serves the Cadyville area, including children from Cadyville, Morrisonville, and West Plattsburgh. The program is free for families in these communities. Thanks to the dedication of volunteers, the generosity of sponsors, and the boundless energy of the players, the fields of our local towns are looking a little brighter, and our community is growing a little stronger, one pitch at a time.

Plattsburgh, NY — Community members joined arms and laced up their running shoes as they took a stand against intimate partner violence at the 4th Annual Run for Ari on Saturday, May 9th, 2026. This annual 5k run and walk honors the memory of Ariana Lavinia Hagen, a local woman from Chazy, NY whose life was tragically taken by intimate partner violence. The 5k serves as both a memorial for those whose lives were taken as well as a powerful call to action to raise awareness about domestic violence prevention. This year marked a significant milestone for the event. In a proud, first-time collaboration between Behavioral Health Services North and SUNY Plattsburgh's Title IX office, the run moved to the university’s campus. The energy on the quad was palpable as students, families, and local residents gathered to transform a space of learning into a space of advocacy. While the day was filled with community warmth, the "why" behind our footsteps remains critical. Statistics show that 10 million people experience domestic violence annually. One in three children and adolescents will experience domestic violence in their lifetime; similarly, one in three women and one in seven men will experience domestic violence as well. It is important to keep in mind that these are instances that have been formally reported; the reality is much higher as many cases go under-reported. Community awareness is our strongest tool for change. In a special tribute to Ari’s deep love for animals, Focus on Ferals joined on-site to host a cat adoption event during the run, complete with a comprehensive list of adoptable kittens and a special appearance by one friendly, but shy black cat. The 2026 Run for Ari saw over 80 participants in the 5k, with one performing two songs in dedication to Ari’s legacy. Many organizations tabled in solidarity with helpful resources and 15 local businesses donated prizes to the raffle benefiting the STOP Domestic and Sexual Violence (STOP DSV) program at BHSN. By the end of the day, $866 in non-raffle donations were raised. Every dollar and every awareness effort directly support the mission of STOP Domestic and Sexual Violence. These funds allow us to continue providing critical resources, education, and a path of healing for survivors across our tri-county region. Whether a seasoned runner or a thoughtful walker, everyone’s presence mattered this day. Families, friends, students, pets, and individuals of all ages came together in community and participated in this day of unity, remembrance, and advocacy. Together, we continue to run toward a future free of violence and filled with hope.

Community is more than just a zip code or a shared office space. It’s a promise we make to one another to show up when things get difficult. Recently, that promise was felt in every footstep as BHSN joined neighbors, students, and advocates for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Out of the Darkness Campus Walks at both SUNY Plattsburgh and SUNY Adirondack. We are incredibly humbled and proud to share that, through the collective efforts of our team and supporters, BHSN raised over $4,000 to support AFSP’s mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. A Presence of Purpose At both campuses, the atmosphere was one of profound solidarity. Suicide and mental health struggles often thrive in silence, but these walks are designed to break that quiet. Seeing the sea of participants, each wearing beads that represented their personal connection to the cause, was a powerful reminder that while our journeys are individual, we are never truly walking alone. Beyond the fundraising, BHSN was honored to have a physical presence at these events. Our teams set up resource tables to talk directly with students and community members. We did not just want to be present; we wanted to be there for our community. We shared information on our local programs, explained how BHSN plays a part in the community’s safety net, and offered a listening ear to those who just needed to talk. Whether it was discussing crisis intervention or simply handing out a brochure that might help a friend in need, those face-to-face moments are where the real work of healing begins. Celebrating Our Champions at SUNY Adirondack While every dollar raised and every mile walked contributes to the larger goal, we have to take a moment to celebrate some extraordinary leadership within our own ranks. At the SUNY Adirondack walk, the top three individuals who raised the most money for the cause were all members of the BHSN family. To those three individuals: your dedication is inspiring. You did not just sign up; you reached out, shared your “why,” and mobilized your networks to make a tangible difference. Your efforts reflect the core of what we do at BHSN: going above and beyond to ensure that resources are available for those who need them most. Why We Walk The funds raised go toward vital research, educational programs, and advocacy work. But more than that, these walks serve as a public declaration that mental health is a priority. For the student at SUNY Plattsburgh who might be feeling overwhelmed, or the family member at SUNY Adirondack who is grieving a loss, seeing a massive group of people dedicated to suicide prevention provides a sense of hope that is hard to quantify. At BHSN, we see the impact of these struggles every day. We also see the beauty of recovery and the strength of the human spirit. Participating in these walks allows us to take our clinical mission out into the fresh air and the sunshine, connecting with the community in a way that is warm, conversational, and deeply human. Looking Ahead Raising $4,000 is a milestone, but the mission does not end when the walk's route is finished. We carry this momentum back into our offices, our clinics, and our homes. We remain committed to being a partner in the community’s mental wellness, providing the support and resources necessary to help our neighbors navigate their darkest days. To everyone who donated, walked, cheered from the sidelines, or stopped by our tables to say hello: THANK YOU. You are the reason we can continue this work. You are the reason hope has a home in our community. Let’s keep talking, keep listening, and keep walking toward hope together.

Plattsburgh, NY — “You better wear your fun shoes,” said one friendly PROS participant to a BHSN newcomer. The enthusiasm was indeed palpable for the PROS Kick-Off event. Behavioral Health Services North (BHSN) held its annual PROS Kick-Off on Monday, April 13. Complete with games, entertainment, food, and speakers, the event welcomed participants and community members to explore BHSN's offerings in an interactive, inclusive, and high-energy environment. Personal Recovery Oriented Services (PROS) is a comprehensive BHSN program dedicated to supporting adults managing mental health and substance use challenges. Through tailored therapeutic and rehabilitation treatments, PROS empowers individuals to reach their personal goals. This event was a (re)introduction to the program’s offerings and gave attendees the opportunity to connect with staff members who make it all possible. From multiple rounds of Bingo with prizes to a live performance by the PROS band, there was never a dull moment in the Center for Wellbeing’s PROS gymnasium in Morrisonville, New York. The day began with inspiring speeches from program leaders and participants, many of whom expressed gratitude to the program’s impact. It was evident in these speeches that, more than just the program offerings, it is the people who work closely together every day that makes PROS so impactful. The connection, respect, and camaraderie between staff, participants, and supportive community members was tangible. Afterwards, attendees dispersed and mingled with one another as they prepared for multiple exhilarating rounds of bingo, where prizes consisted of candy, novelty items, and stunning art pieces. Just like the personalized approach to PROS, players held their fate in their hands as they each filled out their own bingo boards, hoping for a win. Breaking for a hot lunch prepared in the PROS kitchen, the Amazing Ricardo prepared himself to put on an awe-inspiring magic show. As audience members found their seats, the energy shifted to that of pure amazement and heightened excitement. Starting off simple and getting increasingly more complex with time, each trick had even those sitting in the front row amazed and pleasantly perplexed. The audience welcomed the PROS band – a collective of PROS members and staff who work together diligently to learn and perform songs voted on by the group. The group came prepared with a repertoire of three songs: Fast Car by Tracy Chapmen, Landslide by Fleetwood Mac, and Roar by Katy Perry. Sung with passion, audience members were moved to tears, some even singing along. The group ensemble was followed by a solo performance of an original song, written by a PROs participant. Throughout the day, attendees participated in Chair Yoga, a restorative session led by Maegan Perkins, as well as interactive bonding activities designed to build trust and teamwork with Adventure Based Counseling (ABC). The event was a powerful reminder that recovery is more than just treatment; it's about community, creativity, and -- of course -- wearing the right shoes.