Erie County Legislature Majority Leader Joseph Lorigo has named Save Our WNY Children’s Psychiatric Center (CPC) as the November 2017 Citizens of the Month in recognition of the members’ relentless and inspirational fight to keep the center located in West Seneca open to serve children in need.

“It would have been easy to admit defeat when facing Governor Cuomo’s plan to close the center, but a large group of caring individuals has not given up. Everyone involved with Save Our WNY CPC is fighting nonstop to protect the center and the children it serves. An award winning center, CPC is a success story recognized for the changes it makes every day in the lives of families who need a great deal of help and care. I am proud to live in a town where people are willing to fight for what is right, and I am proud to have joined Save Our WNY CPC every step of the way to keep the center open and allow its professionals to make a difference in patients’ lives,” said Majority Leader Lorigo. “We can’t thank everyone enough for what they have accomplished.  I also know they aren’t done yet and will continue to fight for what is right. Congratulations to Save Our WNY CPC for standing up for our must vulnerable children and for being named Citizens of the Month for November 2017.”

Located in West Seneca on 72 acres of land, the CPC has been providing mental health care for children, ages 4-18, who have severe psychiatric problems, since the 1970s. The center was built to treat specifically children and separate them from adults. The reason Save Our CPC is fighting is because the State’s plan is to move adolescent patients to Buffalo into a complex that also treats adults.

“We want to thank Legislator Lorigo for honoring our organization as Citizens of the Month and for bringing awareness to our fight. Legislator Lorigo has stood with us in our fight to keep the center open in West Seneca and we are very grateful. This is a community effort, and together we have made an impact, but the fight isn’t over. We encourage everyone throughout Erie County and beyond to support this effort, to protect our children and to ensure they continue to receive quality care in a safe environment,” said Stephanie McLean Beathley, Co-Chair, Save our WNYCPC.

For additional information or questions about a county issue, please contact Legislator Lorigo at 858-8922 or email joseph.lorigo@erie.gov.