DHSS Press Release |
Date: September 21, 2005 DHSS-89-2005 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Jay Lynch, Communications Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 Email: jay.lynch@state.de.us |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWARK MENTAL HEALTH CLINIC TO MOVE TO STOCKTON BUILDING
The New Castle County Community Mental Health Clinic currently located in Newark moves to the Stockton Building on September 26, 2005; clinic based services will be available to Delaware residents on September 27th. The Stockton Building is located at 261 Chapman Road in Newark, Delaware, near the University Plaza shopping center. The Clinic will be located on the first floor, accessible to physically challenged clients and staff. 302-453-4101.
Steven Dettwyler, Director of Community Mental Health, Delaware Health and Social Services, Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health, stated "We are excited about this move for a number of reasons: it is a larger, more accessible, aesthetically pleasing space, allowing us to better serve the public."
The Clinic in Newark has outgrown it current space in the Hudson State Service Center. Three years ago it expanded its services and staffing to provide greater public access to psychiatric services. According to Dettwyler, "Prior to implementing the new staffing, a potential client would call or stop in and be given an appointment to see the next available doctor; a process that sometimes took up to three weeks. The Clinic now ensures that services for a client start immediately. If they need to talk to a counselor or if they are in crisis and need to see a doctor they are taken care of within 24 hours, particularly if they have just been discharged from a psychiatric facility."
Dettwyler stated that all existing clients have had their appointments scheduled around the move, so there will be no interruption of services. "At the Newark clinic we see over 1,000 people per year and have an ongoing case load of 490 clients. The new, larger space will be more comfortable and pleasant for everyone."
Stockton is one of four state-operated, mental health clinics in Delaware. The others are Wilmington, Kent County, and Sussex County.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
