Nassau County Legislature Deputy Minority Leader Arnold W. Drucker (D-Plainview) joined community leaders and his colleagues in government in Hicksville on November 14 at a ceremony celebrating the groundbreaking for CN Guidance and Counseling Services’ forthcoming Community Crisis Center.
Set to open in 2025, the Community Crisis Center is designed to provide 24-7 walk-in services and an alternative to hospitalization for vulnerable Long Islanders who are experiencing a mental health and/or substance abuse crisis. The CCC will work closely with police agencies, the “988” suicide prevention hotline, hospitals, and other service providers across Nassau and Suffolk Counties to help those in crisis address immediate needs. Upon completing a stay of up to 24 hours, individuals will be connected to ongoing care and an array of trusted resources.
“For more than half a century, CN Guidance and Counseling has distinguished itself by offering a comprehensive portfolio of lifesaving and life-enriching programs to Long Islanders, and this Community Crisis Center is an embodiment of their drive and passion for helping to place Long Islanders on the path to long-term recovery and wellness,” Deputy Minority Leader Drucker said. “This Center has tremendous potential to be a game-changer in the delivery of care for substance abuse and mental health crises, and I applaud CEO Jeffrey Friedman and his entire CN Guidance team for embarking upon this regionally significant undertaking.”
Jeffrey Friedman, the center, said in a statement, “We were so happy to see the 100+ supporters who attended and learned more about how this state-of-the-art facility will transform behavioral healthcare on Long Island. We also appreciate all those who watched our live stream of the event on Facebook. This center, in partnership with local providers and law enforcement, will provide a needed 24/7/365 walk-in care alternative to Emergency Departments and jail for people experiencing mental health and/or substance use crises. There they will be able to get the help they need and stabilized, before being directly connected to more long-term comprehensive services.”