Lawmakers, Army officials discuss future of PTSD program at River Hospital

May 28--ALEXANDRIA BAY -- Lawmakers and Army officials have begun weighing options for the future of River Hospital's Community Wellness Program.

On Wednesday, Sens. Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten E. Gillibrand met with Army officials in Washington for the second time to discuss the possibility of keeping the program running.

Launched in February 2013, the River Community Wellness Program is the only civilian institution in the country to offer an outpatient treatment program for soldiers with post-traumatic stress disorder. The Army announced May 13 that the program will be discontinued in July.

In an email to the Times, a spokesman for Mr. Schumer said the senator understands how important the program is to the north country.

"River Hospital runs a first-rate PTSD program for our soldiers, including a one-of-a-kind program for women soldiers," Jason Kaplan said. "We are in communication with hospital executives, Fort Drum and Army command and are exploring every option for keeping this program running."

A spokesman for Ms. Gillibrand also contacted the Times via email.

"Sen. Gillibrand has heard from the community about this issue and has raised their concerns with the Army," Marc Brumer said. "The community in the north country has invested sig­nificant resources in its partnership with Fort Drum, and Sen. Gillibrand will fight to ensure that the Army holds up its end of the bargain."

News of the meetings in Washington pleased River Hospital CEO Ben Moore III, who remains optimistic about the outcome.

"It's encouraging," he said. "I think if there wasn't a shot at this, there wouldn't be a second meeting."

Mr. Moore said the hospital also has been in touch with Rep. Elise M. Stefanik, R-Willsboro, and Rep. Christopher P. Gibson, R-Kinderhook. Mr. Gibson is a former officer in the Army.

A representative from Ms. Stefanik's office could not be reached Wednesday.

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