Unveiling Stories of Port Chester’s Forgotten Mental Health Hospital

A new short documentary on a former mental health hospital in Port Chester will debut on Monday, October 27, 2025 at the AMC Theatres in Port Chester with a screening open to the public.

Erased, from filmmaker Jill Yesko, is a story about her search to explore her mother’s life-altering experience during a stay at the former High Point Hospital – the mental health institution that was located on King Street in Port Chester. For decades, High Point and its medical leaders were known far and wide, with a reputation that drew celebrities and other well-known individuals. While High Point closed and then burned down in 1998, its legacy is long lasting – especially for former patients and staff.

“Erased is my most personal film. In searching for my mother I discovered a much bigger story; one that has touched so many lives in Port Chester, Rye, and beyond,” explained Yesko.

The screening will be followed by a panel discussion featuring mental health specialists and advocates, as well as a former High Point patient. They will address access to today’s treatment options and overcoming stigma and other barriers to talking about and treating mental illnesses – in the home, in the community, and in the workplace.

Panelists include:

• Gary Marcus, Esq. – former patient
• Angela Jacobs, LCSW – Program Director Crisis Prevention and Response Team, St. Vincent’s Hospital Westchester and 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline designated call center
• Michael Orth – Commissioner, Department of Community Mental Health, Westchester County
• Karl Kessler, MD – Executive Board, Psychiatric Society of Westchester

Supporting the discussion will be Marie Considine, MPA, Executive Director, National Alliance on Mental Illness of Westchester and Nancy Barr, Legislator, Westchester County. Guests at the screening will view an exhibit created by the Port Chester Historical Society which showcases the history of High Point, its director, and the property, including employment ads and articles from over 40 years.

“When I learned this film was being made, my immediate thought was that our Chamber of Commerce should help to bring it to this community,” said Camela Morrissey, executive director of the Port Chester – Rye Brook – Town of Rye Chamber of Commerce. “High Point was a major employer in its time, and many area residents were associated with it either through employment, as patients, or as service providers. This stunning film and exhibit have a critical message for all of us – and this screening will help area organizations better understand the need to talk more openly about mental health.”

“We as a nation have come a long way since the days when Jill Yesko’s mother was a patient at High Point. Public policy in New York has improved thanks to the efforts of families and advocates, and programs now include awareness education programs and community-based support for recovery” said Marie Considine, executive director, NAMI Westchester. “More than 700 NAMI affiliates nationwide advocate for accessible, affordable, and comprehensive mental healthcare for all, emphasizing early identification and intervention, appropriate and effective crisis response, support for individuals in recovery, and dignity for all. NAMI Westchester believes in treating mental health diagnoses as medical conditions deserving of dignity and respect and works to promote policies that support mental health and fight stigma,” Considine added.

The screening is being brought to the community by the Port Chester – Rye Brook – Town of Rye Chamber of Commerce, NAMI Westchester, The Port Chester Historical Society, and film director Jill Yesko. Film content and discussion may be challenging for some; a counselor will be on hand for anyone needing support during the event.

Advance registration is required – for free and low-cost tickets are available.