Oneida County Launches New Smartphone App for Mental Health, Addiction Treatment & Community Resources

County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. announced today that the Oneida County Department of Mental Health (OCDMH) has developed a new smartphone application that will serve as a fast, efficient and innovative way to provide residents with mental health, addiction treatment and community resources and information.

“Oneida County is committed to providing access to vital mental health and substance use resources to our residents,” Picente said. “The OC C.A.R.E.S. app will support our mission of utilizing innovative strategies to create meaningful, positive impacts. The goal is to not only create a one-stop-shop for all things mental health, but to also share the message that Oneida County cares about our community and is dedicated to ensuring everyone has access to the resources they need.”

Announced during the County Executive’s State of the County Address last week, the OC C.A.R.E.S. (Oneida County Community Access to Resources, Education, and Services) app offers quick access to items of public interest and is easy to use. In just a few clicks, users can access features including:

• Crisis Services
• Health and Wellness
• Suicide Prevention
• Naloxone/Harm Reduction
• Services & Providers
• Mental Health Strategies
• Safety Plans
• Self-Screeners
• Career-Specific Support
• Interactive Maps
• Push Notifications

It was created in conjunction with the Oneida County System of Care 2025 Resource Guide, with the goal of improving the lives of people in crisis by wholly addressing all needs including mental health, substance use and community resources such as housing, food and healthcare.

“The development of this application has allowed us to bring together a wealth of information and create a comprehensive directory of providers to our community,” said Commissioner of Mental Health and Director of Community Services Ashlee Thompson. “Our department is dedicated to the ongoing maintenance and updating of the app to ensure that all resources, information, and services are accurate and accessible. We truly believe that this app will allow the residents of Oneida County to more effectively and efficiently access support.”

The Oneida County Department of Mental Health app is available for download for free in the Apple App Store and Google Play. Search “OC C.A.R.E.S.” or click here to download.

OC C.A.R.E.S. was developed by ThePublicHealthApp.com, a brand of OCV, LLC.

ThePublicHealthApp.com specializes in smartphone app development for health departments and public safety organizations across the country. Developing more than 1,000 apps, OCV, LLC. designs and creates custom apps for state, county and local government agencies.