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People USA outlines 24/7 crisis stabilization center model, cites diversion data and requests legislative engagement
Summary
People USA CEO Steve Michio and COO Kimberly Wing presented the county's planned 24/7 crisis support center, cited Dutchess County data showing hospital-day diversions and criminal justice cost avoidance, and asked the legislature for support and facility tours.
Steve Michio, CEO of People USA, and Kimberly Wing, the organization's chief operating officer, briefed the Ulster County Legislature on March 18, 2025 about the planned 24/7 Ulster County crisis stabilization (support) center.
Michio described People USA as a peer-run organization with services that include mobile crisis teams, law‑assisted diversion, respite housing and crisis stabilization centers. He said the model focuses on peer engagement, safe and welcoming environments, and recovery-oriented care.
Wing summarized program elements and outcome data from a nearby center in Dutchess County: People USA reported diverting more than 2,500 hospital days annually and estimating roughly $1.6 million in avoided criminal justice costs at that site. Wing said People USA saw about 3,000 guests in 2024 at their centers; of those, roughly 2,000 presented with mental health needs and about 700 with substance use disorders. She also said youth use is significant during the school year and that, in some months, as many as 60% of guests were under 18 during the school year.
Wing described center services as voluntary and free, with assessments, care coordination, medication management, detox support, aftercare planning and follow-up. "Everyone is welcome, and they are free and voluntary," she said. She emphasized the organization's focus on follow-up and warm handoffs to other community services.
Chair Criswell said he is working with the People USA team to schedule a tour for legislators once the facility is open. Several legislators praised the model during the address and the presentation concluded with the county committing to arrange a site visit for interested legislators.
