Senate Resolution No. 387

BY: Senator STEC

        HONORING  Behavioral  Health  Services North, Inc.
        upon the occasion of its designation as recipient of
        the 2023 Business of the Year  Award  by  the  North
        Country Chamber of Commerce

  WHEREAS,  In  the  course of the evolving development of this Empire
State, if the ingredients of  shared  concern  and  responsive  endeavor
combine  in  the  commitment  to  society,  there have emerged among the
distinguished citizens of the State of New  York  certain  organizations
which warrant special recognition; and

  WHEREAS,  It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commend those
illustrious organizations of the State  of  New  York  whose  focus  and
intent  have  made  a substantial impact on the quality of life in their
communities; and

  WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and  in  full  accord  with  its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Behavioral  Health  Services  North,  Inc.  upon  the  occasion  of  its
designation as recipient of the 2023 Business of the Year Award  by  the
North  Country  Chamber  of  Commerce, which was celebrated at its 111th
Annual Awards Dinner, "A Winter  Wonderland,"  on  Friday,  January  27,
2023, at the West Side Ballroom in Plattsburgh, New York; and

  WHEREAS,  Behavioral  Health Services North (BHSN) is receiving this
prestigious award for its steadfast and unremitting  commitment  to  its
Plattsburgh, New York, and North Country communities; and

  WHEREAS,   A  progressive  not-for-profit  organization,  Behavioral
Health  Services  North  is  committed  to  strengthening   individuals,
families,  and community life by delivering a behavioral health care and
human  service  system  which  provides  an  integrated   continuum   of
essential, responsive, and cost-effective services; and

  WHEREAS,  Originally  established  in  1874, by Margaret Platt, as a
home caring for orphans and abandoned children within the community, the
home later evolved into the Northern New York Center and grew  over  its
first 125 years in response to the needs of the region; and

  WHEREAS,  Since  its  inception, this vital organization has evolved
into one of the most diverse and  distinguished  regional  suppliers  of
behavioral services in the State and Nation, with more than 20 sites and
programs committed to supporting the residents of North Country; and

  WHEREAS,  Furthermore,  its  innovative endeavors range from support
services and housing to BHSN University,  providing  team  members  with
educational and growth opportunities; and

  WHEREAS,  Located  along  the  shores  of Lake Champlain, Behavioral
Health Services North continues to reflect on its principles which  were
founded nearly 150 years ago; and

  WHEREAS,  Under  the  able  leadership of its President and CEO Mark
Lukens, Behavioral Health  Services  North  has  experienced  astounding
growth  in  its  capacity  and  efforts;  over  the last five years, its
revenue has increased from $8 million to $37 million, enabling  historic
new levels of service and support for the local community; and

  WHEREAS,  In  addition  to  its  President  and  CEO, the remarkable
success of Behavioral Health Services North is in direct correlation  to
the  efforts of its dedicated staff and board, whose involvement is, and
always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled
enthusiasm,  and  an  uncompromising  standard  of  excellence  in   all
endeavors on behalf of the organization and the community it serves; and

  WHEREAS,  It  is  the  sense  of  this  Legislative  Body  that when
individuals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are
brought to our attention, they should be celebrated  and  recognized  by
all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED,  That  this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Behavioral Health Services North, Inc. upon the  occasion  of  its
designation  as  recipient of the 2023 Business of the Year Award by the
North Country Chamber of Commerce; and be it further

  RESOLVED, That a copy of this  Resolution,  suitably  engrossed,  be
transmitted to Behavioral Health Services North, Inc.