March 5, 2026 Health, Human Services and Human Rights

The Ulster County Legislature's Health, Human Services and Human Rights Committee met on March 5, 2026, focusing primarily on a comprehensive behavioral health needs assessment conducted by the Human Services Research Institute. The presentation detailed the county's mental health system, highlighting funding sources, service gaps, and recommendations to improve access, especially in rural areas like Ellenville. Key procurement-related discussions included approval of several resolutions for state-funded contracts supporting chemical dependency prevention, recovery services, and supportive housing, with amounts exceeding $1.2 million and $460,000 respectively. The committee also approved a lease extension for county office space with a noted 27% cost increase, prompting discussion about lease terms and future alternatives. Additional resolutions for elderly care services funded by a mix of state and county funds were approved in a block vote. The meeting concluded with plans for a tour of the crisis support center and discussions on advocacy for community health programs. Overall, the meeting involved multiple contract approvals and budget allocations related to mental health and social services procurement.