"We recognize the risks that these soldiers are taking and what they're doing for us and our country. This is the least we can do to try and provide some services for them. It wasn't that long ago that the Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization identified behavior health as one of the deficits we have here in this community,” Samaritan Medical Center President and C.E.O. Thomas Carman said.

But the problem isn't exclusive to the North Country. Treatment of mental conditions of soldiers have been questioned all around the country. The hope is this is a major step forward.

"Our work is not quite done, but today we can offer much greater access to behavioral health care services that we could not just a short while ago," Randy Howard of Health Net Federal Services said.

"This clinic is an example of the partnership and thinking out of the box on how to deliver health care, particularly behavior health care to our soldiers and families in a setting that is away from the installation,” Acting Headquarters Commander Col. Kevin Mangum added.

Samaritan cuts ribbon on off-post behavioral health clinic for soldiers

For years, questions of how soldiers are treated for behavioral or mental health issues have been raised, and while everyone admits, a lot of work still needs to be done; the Fort Drum community is now one step closer. Our Brian Dwyer was in Watertown Saturday for the opening of a brand new off-post clinic.

"If someone or something is not right. If he or she is not the same person you know and love, please ask for help. You're a vital part of this team,” Col. Steven Drennan, the Acting MEDDAC Commander said.

With this facility, Samaritan is bringing in 13 brand new jobs, 11 of which have already been filled.

Samaritan has contracted Heath Net Federal Services for the clinic.
Health Net is the administrator of the TRICARE program which provides health benefits for Fort Drum soldiers and their families.