Building dedicated to the memory of Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Green
Access to mental health services in Livingston County just got easier.
UR Medicine Noyes Health’s Mental Health and Wellness building officially opened Wednesday, May 25 with a ribbon cutting ceremony followed by tours of the building, located at 5712 Tec Drive in Avon.
The building is dedicated in memory of Elizabeth “Liz” S. (Griswold) Green, a social worker and beloved member of the Avon Community who died suddenly in 2019.
“I know Elizabeth would be pleased there is a place that will continue her legacy, where everyone would be valued and listened to,” said Roger Grizwold, Elizabeth Green’s father.
The building houses 8 treatment rooms, and a group treatment room. Eventually, it will also have an outdoor healing garden with landscaping and benches so people can receive therapy, or just relax in nature.
The expansion of Noyes Mental Health came at the request of northern Livingston County medical providers to aid the underserved area.
“The need has never been greater, the awareness is picking up, but need and awareness doesn’t do us any good if we don’t have access,” said Glenn Hann, PMHNP, Program Director, Noyes Mental Health and Wellness. “Thanks to the generosity of people like you who are present today — thanks to the support, we have this wonderful building. The access to care here in the northern region is now present thanks to Avon Mental Health.”
According to 2019 NY County Statistics, the ratio of patients to mental health providers is 350 to 1. In Livingston County, that number is 850 to 1.
“The COVID pandemic has brought much-needed attention to the lack of access to mental health care,” said Dr. Chad Teeters, President and CEO of Noyes Health. “While social distancing and other public health actions were necessary to slow the spread of COVID, they also caused many to feel isolated, stressed, anxious and overwhelmed with emotions. We hope the opening of this facility will help the area get through not only the pandemic, but help those who are in need of mental help for years to come.”
“This building would not have been a reality without the generous donation of $350,000 from Ann and Carl Myers and additional support from other community members” said Teeters.
“Life is short. I like to see everyone get the types of care that they need,” said Carl Myers Wednesday during the ceremony. “If this saves one individual, it’s well worth it.”
Noyes also received a $348,050 New York State grant to construct the building, and another $350,000 in grant support from Livingston County to complete funding for the project.
“If you look at the thousands of people annually getting appointments and getting services, some of that is Livingston County, some of that is Noyes Mental Health,” said Ian Coyle, County Administrator of Livingston County. “It need not matter – what matters is people are getting the care that they need. It is an expanding level of care as evidence by this beautiful building behind me.”
“This is a giant step forward in accessibility to mental health services for this area and we appreciate it very much,” said Sarah Santora on behalf of NYS Senator Patrick Gallivan.
“Mental health and wellness is a really important part of our overall wellness. Being able to have this accessible in Livingston County is going to help so many people.”
