Bipartisan coalition of mayors and county executives calls on lawmakers to adopt Hochul’s mental health proposals modernizing involuntary commitment laws

New York – In a concerted effort to address severe mental health issues in New York, a group of 36 local leaders, including county executives and mayors from various parts of the state, has endorsed Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed mental health reforms. These officials, representing a diverse range of communities, have collectively issued a plea to the New York State Legislature, urging the rapid adoption of these reforms.

“For too long, individuals struggling with severe mental illness have been left without the care they so desperately need,” Governor Hochul said. “These reforms will ensure that those who are most vulnerable and in crisis receive timely, life-saving treatment. By strengthening our mental health system, we are making New York safer, more compassionate, and better equipped to meet the needs of all its residents.”

The reforms suggested by Governor Hochul specifically aim to update the laws concerning involuntary commitment. These updates would clarify conditions under which individuals could be involuntarily admitted to care facilities, particularly if they are at significant risk of harm due to their inability to meet basic needs such as food, shelter, and medical care. This move would bring New York in line with 43 other states that have similar provisions.

Moreover, the proposed changes include enhancements to Kendra’s Law, which oversees Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT). AOT has shown effectiveness in reducing adverse outcomes such as criminal justice involvement and homelessness among those with mental illnesses. The Governor’s budget also proposes increasing funding for this program and improving oversight.

Another notable aspect of the reforms is the introduction of Enhanced Service Packages. These packages aim to provide necessary services to individuals without requiring a court order and offer continued support for those whose AOT orders have expired. This approach intends to standardize care across the state, ensuring that more people can receive the support they need.

Support from local leaders across the state reflects a widespread acknowledgment of the necessity for these changes.

Coalition of Local Leaders Across the State said, “As elected officials who hear from a variety of constituents, we think these are commonsense changes that will help people get the behavioral healthcare they need, when they need it. We applaud Governor Hochul for having the courage to propose these changes and we urge the Legislature to support these changes to the law that would enable our communities to better care for those in need.”

Since her tenure began, Governor Hochul has committed over $1 billion to overhaul New York’s mental health system. This funding has gone towards restoring inpatient psychiatric beds, enforcing better insurance coverages for mental health care, and expanding outpatient services, crisis stabilization units, and peer support programs.

The collective action and support from local leaders not only underscore the critical need for these reforms but also highlight the potential for significant improvements in how New York State manages mental health care. The push for legislative approval is a crucial step towards realizing these benefits and making substantial progress in mental health advocacy and care provision.