The Office of the Public Advocate - The Advocate Bulletin - December 9, 2022

 

A Message from the Public Advocate

Friends and fellow New Yorkers,

Since our office released a new review of the city’s approach to mental health crises, building on our 2019 report on the same topic, the issue of mental health has been a prominent focus for many New Yorkers. With the administration unveiling its own plan shortly thereafter, there has been an ongoing debate about how to address the crisis.

As we made clear in our own report, our city’s mental health crisis is longstanding, widespread, and demands increased attention and funding. I am encouraged that the city is now advancing some of the recommendations of our office, including drop-in centers, safe havens, stabilization beds, and outreach vans – this progress must be acknowledged, even as we are awaiting more information about the funding and structure of those services. These tools will make our communities safer, stronger, and healthier, and the city should use this approach as a model for moving forward.

At the same time, the type of response the city provides is just as critical as its strength, and the city cannot continue prioritizing police as main decision makers in mental health emergencies. Mental health is a public health issue – not a criminal one. A framework that continues to center overreliance on police, diminishes the role of health professionals, and de-prioritizes the role of peer support will not be sustainable or effective in meeting the needs of New Yorkers in need or a city in crisis. We still have many questions about the administration’s proposal, and hope to soon receive more information and answers on behalf of New Yorkers.

The fact is that much of the conversation on this issue has been focused on a tactic at the expense of a plan. We need a comprehensive, health-centered, and peer-informed approach to mental health, and the concrete investment to support it. I know that New Yorkers agree it is in our city’s best interest to address the ongoing mental health crisis as an urgent priority. In our office, we are working to continue collaboration and push for transparency, so that we can meet the needs of New Yorkers in this moment and in moments of crisis.

In Advocacy,

Jumaane