"Jordan Neely deserved to live. We have known this, we have shouted it, and today, the Mayor acknowledged it and spoke to his humanity. At the same time, Jordan’s death was not a passive or incidental act. He was killed, while pleading for help, and there continues to be hesitance from our leaders to acknowledge aspects of that heartbreaking reality.
"I hope they will now support charges which would show there are consequences for killing a Black homeless man in a mental health crisis. A charge is not a conviction, it’s simply the start of the process, and in other cases there has not been such delay in commenting early on.
"We are waiting for charges, and we are waiting for change, and while we hear promised change to how our city supports New Yorkers facing mental health crises and other dire needs, we also heard this months ago, and called for it years ago. I was glad to hear the Mayor voice support for improving the city’s mental health infrastructure, and will work to make sure it is reflected in the coming budget, as well as push for state funding.
"Real support has to come with investment – in the capacity to meet people with beds and other services, and in the continuum of care that extends after leaving the hospital. As I’ve long argued, just as important as getting people the healthcare they need in hospital settings is what happens when they leave and re-enter a world conditioned to dehumanize and devalue people most in need – people like Jordan Neely."
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