Dutchess County’s Beth Alter Honored
Diversion Services Director to be feted by Access: Supports for Living Foundation

Poughkeepsie… Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro congratulates Department of Behavioral & Community Health (DBCH) Behavioral Health Diversion Services Director Beth Alter, who will be honored with the Vision of Hope Award from Access: Supports for Living at its 2017 Gala, “Access Celebrates Leadership in Transformative Healthcare Partnerships,” on Saturday, November 18th at Anthony’s Pier 9 in New Windsor.

Access: Supports for Living presents the award to healthcare leaders in the Hudson Valley who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership in developing partnerships to positively impact healthcare transformation and have impacted the essence of the agency’s mission: to help people live the fullest and healthiest lives possible.

County Executive Molinaro said, “Beth Alter has been a tireless advocate for Dutchess County residents for three decades. Beth’s devotion to Dutchess County and those who depend on mental health services is unparalleled, and her fervor is unmatched. Beth has been a force for change, to the benefit of countless residents, and she is a credit to Dutchess County.”

A licensed clinical social worker, Ms. Alter has worked for Dutchess County Government for 30 years, having worked in the fields of substance use and mental health services, with both youth and adults. She has served on the board of the Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault and is a member of the Dutchess County Steering Committee on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. Ms. Alter has coordinated numerous trainings for the provider community over the years, including facilitating trainings on trauma, recovery and resiliency. She is a member of the Dutchess County Crisis Intervention Team Steering Committee, as well as a trainer for law enforcement, and a Mental Health First Aid trainer.

As Dutchess County’s Director of Behavioral Health Diversion Services, Ms. Alter oversees Dutchess County’s HELPLINE, a 24/7 resource that allows those dealing with mental health issues or those in crisis to call or text (845) 485-9700 and be connected to trained mental health professionals. Ms. Alter also oversees the County’s 24/7 Mobile Crisis Intervention Team and the Dutchess County Trauma Team.

Ms. Alter has been instrumental in the development and oversight of Dutchess County’s Stabilization Center, the County’s 24/7, non-medical, voluntary, walk-in center for individuals experiencing crisis resulting from mental health or substance abuse issues. The Stabilization Center, located at 230 North Road in Poughkeepsie, provides law enforcement and the Mobile Crisis Intervention Team with the ability to divert individuals with behavioral health or substance abuse issues so they can receive immediate assistance and services in order to de-escalate crisis and plan for ongoing services upon release.

Ms. Alter said, “The well-being of Dutchess County’s residents has long been my passion, one to which I’ve dedicated my career. Under the leadership of County Executive Molinaro, Dutchess County has become a statewide leader in caring for those living with mental health issues, transforming and saving lives, and I’m honored to have played a role in those successes. I thank Access: Supports for Living for its recognition of our efforts, and I look forward to the continuing strides the organization will make to ensure those they serve live life to the fullest.”

Amy Anderson-Winchell, LCSW, President and Chief Executive Officer of Access: Supports for Living, said, “Beth Alter has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to the residents of Dutchess County, and Access is honored to recognize her as an exemplary leader in the Hudson Valley. Beth’s contributions to our community, through her partnership with Access and other healthcare providers, have positively impacted lives throughout Dutchess County, and we are proud to celebrate the great work she does every day.”