LICC Reacts to Possible Funding Cuts

Last week, Long Island Crisis Center received a letter from Nassau County informing them that their funding has been terminated as of July 6.

The county informed the Bellmore-based crisis support and suicide prevention organization that if they cannot get approval to borrow $41 million from the state, they will terminate all youth service contracts - 58 across the county.

Nassau County's current fiscal deficit is the reason why it needs to borrow funds. However, the director of the state control board in charge of overseeing the county's finances is opposed to this plan.

The funding cuts would result in a $300,000 loss for LICC. Nearby YES Community Counseling Center in Massapequa would also be affected.

"Long Island Crisis Center responds to more than 10,000 crisis calls a year, 24/7. Who is going to be there when that suicidal teen calls us at 3 a.m.?" Executive Director Linda Leonard wrote in an appeal to email subscribers.

LICC is seeking help from Nassau County residents, asking them to write to local legislators or call Nassau County Ed Mangano's office directly.

For more information, visit LICC online.