POUGHKEESPIE, N.Y. -- Mental health professionals with the Mobile Crisis Intervention Team are always ready to help.

"Meet children at school with their parents; we'll meet them at the work place, wherever they are," said Mobile Crisis Intervention Team Unit Administrator Gary Collins.  

The team is just one of many programs Dutchess County offers in order to help people dealing with substance abuse or mental illness. Now Dutchess County is working to fight against the stigma associated with people fighting those battles while educating the community about services available. It's all a part of a campaign launched this year called "Breaking Through."

"[We're] explaining to those who are dealing with the demons of addiction and living with mental illness that we have to do more to connect you and work with you on your road to recovery,” said Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro.  

In order to spread that message, Molinaro has allocated $20,000 in the 2018 budget to have Spark Media Project create a digital media campaign produced by young people to highlight the county's mental health services. The county is also getting the word out with a number of other initiatives, including working with schools.

"Last week, we met with all the superintendents from all the school districts to make sure that they were aware of all the services that we provide throughout the county," said Department of Behavior & Community Health Director of Diversion Services Director Beth Alter.

One of the services the county has is a 24/7 help line. The number is (845) 485-9700. Click here to learn more about other services the county offers.