Workers, parents and advocates attended a meeting today and pleaded with state health officials to keep a children's mental health facility open in Dix Hills.

Sagamore Children's Psychiatric Center is slated to close its inpatient services in July 2014 as the state seeks to cut costs. Opponents say the move will hurt kids who are already vulnerable.

Employees of the center say the state is underestimating the need for long-term care for mentally ill children. If Sagamore closes, children and their families would have to travel to Queens or the Bronx for inpatient mental health services.

Workers at the center say they will hold a rally on the issue in October and will continue to attend hearings until the state budget is finalized.