Committee authorizes Youth Clubhouse contract; members press for program outcome data

The Greene County committee voted to authorize a contract with the Mental Health Association of Columbia-Greene Counties to support a Youth Clubhouse, a drop-in prevention program the association runs under an OASIS license.

Jason Breidenberg described the programwhich he said is participant-ledas a low-barrier space offering peer support, recovery support, harm-reduction education, social and recreational programming and referrals. "To date, 2024, the clubhouses serve 235 unique individuals, [and] average around 450 visits per month," Breidenberg told the committee, adding that daily attendance varies and averages roughly five participants on most days.

Breidenberg and committee members noted barriers including transportation and food insecurity and said the program receives state OASIS funding and small grants. Committee members asked staff to invite the clubhouse director to a future meeting so members can press for outcome measures and more detail on how additional funds would be used.

The committee then moved multiple related contracts and agreements for public-health services (including family planning medical-director arrangements, preschool special-education provider contracts, and clinical agreements with universities). Each motion was put to a voice vote and carried.