State and local officials, as well as representatives from St. Joseph’s and community advocates, attended the grand opening on Tuesday.

James Button, president and CEO of Citizen Advocates, said Tuesday’s event was an opportunity to both recognize the outpatient clinic’s move and celebrate the clinic’s move to Harison Place.

“This move represents greater access to our community. It ensures that patients have immediate access to the clinic and the services offered there,” Button said. “St. Joe’s views quality addiction treatment as something we really care about for practical reasons. A person who has chosen to be in recovery should not have to fight through red tape on their road to recovery. That’s what sets us apart. We’re removing those hurdles. We’re improving access and focusing on convenience.”

Button said the Harison Place premises would provide a modern facility for St Joseph’s Outpatients Department.

“The move to Harison Place is a big step. We have moved the outpatient department to a modern, state-of-the-art facility,” he said. “St. Joe’s is known for its high-quality services and this facility delivers on that promise.”

Marc Gitlitz, CEO of St. Joseph, said the opening of the new outpatient facility was the result of a team effort.

“This means so much to so many,” Gitlitz said. “Not all opening ceremonies are the same. Some simply celebrate the opening of new buildings, a sort of ‘hurrah’ for new bricks and mortar. Others are for new structures that enable life-saving and life-enriching work. Today we celebrate the opening of a facility that does the latter. It strengthens our humanity and improves our community.”

According to Gitlitz, drug abuse is changing, unfortunately increasing and becoming more deadly.

“Fortunately, substance abuse treatment has become much more effective. And that is changing too,” said Gitlitz. “There is less and less substance abuse treatment being done in inpatient facilities and more and more in outpatient facilities, similar to the new facility we are opening today. That leads to better and more effective treatment.”

Gitlitz also discussed the factors that make up a successful outpatient clinic.

“They are convenient and centrally located. They are well designed and provide both privacy and space for group therapy. They are also warm, inviting and attractive spaces,” he said, adding that St. Joseph’s former outpatient clinic in Malone was located on East Main Street.

According to Gitlitz, the former clinic was housed in a converted early 20th-century bank. He believes the building was designed to prevent robberies but was not well suited to providing outpatient services.

“I am very pleased that the entire Malone outpatient team now has a facility that supports their important work,” he said. “St. Joseph’s collaboration with Citizen Advocates allows both agencies to provide a full range of services, addiction treatment, mental health, housing and other services under one organizational roof.”

The opening of the new outpatient clinic on Tuesday was more than just a celebration of a new location, said Gitlitz.

“It is a symbol of the commitment of St. Joseph’s, Citizen Advocates and their affiliate to the future of addiction treatment,” he said. “We are setting a new standard for care in upstate New York that combines modern facilities with compassion, state-of-the-art professionalism and cost-effective care, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to regain control of their life and succeed.”

Rep. D. Billy Jones, D – Chateaugay Lake, thanked Citizen Advocates and St. Joseph’s for establishing a new outpatient clinic in the community.

“The most important thing organizations can do for our communities is to help people in need when they need it,” Jones said. “The accessibility of this new clinic will give people in need the help they need.”

Jones said it is important to help people when they seek it.

“We always talk about people who need help, and when they decide to get it, they don’t wait a week, two weeks or a day. They need the help immediately,” he said. “This clinic gives them that access.”

Jones described the services offered by the ambulance as urgently needed.

“I’ve traveled all over my district and all over New York state, quite frankly, talking about these issues. Issues that people are facing,” he said. “I’ve supported legislation that helps people in recovery. That will help businesses and organizations hire people in recovery. We need to help them after they finish treatment and make sure that their lives are stable, that they have stable housing.”

Jones said Tuesday’s event was a good day for the community in Malone and the North Country, and thanked staff at Citizen Advocates and St. Joseph’s for helping community members in need.

“I have often said that you can have a beautiful building and beautiful facilities, but it is the people who provide those services in those facilities and I want to thank your staff and all the work they do to help people in times of need,” he said.

According to Button, Citizen Advocates and St. Joseph’s have partnered and signed a management services agreement in February 2023.

“The partnership between St. Joseph’s and Citizen Advocates is a game changer for the region. Individuals now have access to a comprehensive range of services and the best mental health and addiction treatment available in upstate New York,” said Button. “St. Joseph’s provides high-quality addiction treatment and Citizen Advocates provides high-quality mental health care, addiction treatment, housing and a range of other support services. Combining our two organizations under the leadership of one team has resulted in even greater access, convenience and care.”

Button said both Citizen Advocates and St. Joseph’s benefit from working together and hosting the outpatient clinic at Harison Place.

“I think it’s an example of the synergy that happens when two like-minded organizations come together,” he said. “We were able to fill gaps in their approach and they did the same for Citizen Advocates. It’s been a win-win for the community. For the providers and the people we support.”

St. Joseph’s Addiction Treatment and Recovery Centers held a grand opening of its new outpatient clinic on Tuesday on the ground floor of Harison Place at the corner of West Main Street and Harison Place. Alexander Violo/Malone Telegram