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Despite Army's drop of River Hospital PTSD program, Antique Boat Museum will hold on to partnership

Watertown Daily Times (NY) - 5/24/2015

May 24--ALEXANDRIA BAY -- In the wake of the Army's decision to discontinue River Hospital's post-traumatic stress disorder treatment program, one community partner has expressed resilience.

In a statement issued Friday, the Antique Boat Museum, Clayton, said it plans to continue its partnership with the hospital no matter what changes occur.

"Both organizations are avid supporters of our armed forces and feel strongly about relaying the message this partnership portrays," said Michael J. Folsom, the museum's director of marketing and communications.

The River Community Wellness Program opened at River Hospital in February 2013 to serve mental health needs of civilians and focus on treating local soldiers suffering from PTSD. River Hospital CEO Ben Moore III announced Thursday that the Army had decided to pull the program and move it onto post.

The Antique Boat Museum began a partnership with the hospital upon reopening for the season last May. Throughout the summer, the two organizations worked together enhance the experience of Community Wellness Program participants.

The museum displayed artwork and creative writing produced by members of the hospital's Creative Arts Therapy program. It also took wellness program participants on a cruise of the Thousand Islands for relaxation and meditation.

"With or without the program at River Hospital, all elements of the partnership -- exhibition of artwork, river cruises for soldiers and admission discounts -- will remain in effect for the museum's 2015 season," Mr. Folsom said.

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