New York Invests $6M for Urgent Behavioral Health Crisis Response

BREAKING NEWS: New York State is investing $6 million to launch health-led behavioral health crisis response teams across the state. This urgent initiative was announced by the New York State Office of Mental Health earlier today, following critical recommendations from the Daniel’s Law Task Force.

The funding aims to create or expand at least three dedicated crisis response teams—one in a rural area, one in a suburban location, and one in an urban setting—utilizing trained behavioral health professionals and peer support. Grants of up to $2 million will be available for new or existing teams, marking a significant step in addressing mental health crises with compassion and expertise.

Dr. Ann Sullivan, Commissioner of the Office of Mental Health and Chair of the task force, stated, “By establishing a health-led system of response, we can help communities to safely and compassionately address those individuals who experience a behavioral health crisis.” This pilot program directly responds to the tragic events surrounding the death of Daniel Prude in 2020, which triggered widespread calls for reform in how mental health emergencies are managed.

The task force’s December 2022 recommendations emphasized the necessity of implementing health-led response teams equipped with standardized protocols for handling behavioral health crises. Specifically, the plan outlines that when someone contacts 911 or 988 for assistance related to mental health or substance abuse issues, a trained crisis response team—not law enforcement—should be dispatched unless there is a clear threat of violence.

State Senator Samra Brouk expressed her commitment to this initiative, stating, “Since the tragic death of Daniel Prude in 2020, I have fought for the passage of Daniel’s Law to ensure that we implement a compassionate, peer-led mental health crisis response system across New York State.” She added that this investment is crucial in providing voluntary services for individuals facing mental health emergencies, aiming to eliminate the criminalization of those in crisis.

The establishment of these teams marks a pivotal moment for New Yorkers experiencing mental health crises. As communities prepare to implement these programs, all eyes will be on the outcomes of this revolutionary approach to mental health care.

This funding and the resulting programs will be a crucial test of New York’s ability to respond effectively to mental health emergencies, ensuring that those in crisis receive the support they need without the stigma often associated with such situations.

Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story unfolds, and be part of the conversation around these transformative changes in mental health response systems.