Legislative Changes Needed for Mental Health Care, Says Mayor Adams in Public Safety Meeting

Mayor Eric Adams emphasized the need for legislative changes to assist individuals with severe mental health issues during a recent public meeting focused on public safety, crime reduction, and housing. He noted that the current approach allows too many individuals to remain on the streets without adequate care, leading to harm for themselves and others.

Adams discussed a philosophical divide surrounding treatment for those with mental health challenges. He indicated that some law enforcement officers express reluctance to intervene due to uncertainty about the legal framework governing involuntary removal. He highlighted Assemblyman Bronstein’s proposed bill aimed at clarifying this issue, which the governor is considering for her budget. Adams believes this is a crucial step toward addressing the needs of people unable to care for themselves effectively (Source: https://youtu.be/GimX8v2xoMk&t=2544).

The mayor outlined that New York City has already moved nearly 8,000 individuals from streets and subways into shelters. However, he stressed that the city must have facilities equipped to provide long-term mental health care as a model for addressing severe mental health issues more effectively. He argued for a shift in mentality regarding how the city treats those struggling with mental health, stating, “We can’t just continually turn people loose” after minimal treatment (Source: https://youtu.be/GimX8v2xoMk&t=175).

Adams further linked inadequate mental health services to perceptions of safety within the city. Even if crime rates are decreasing, feelings of unsafety often persist among residents. He too recognized the challenge in public perception and argued for a more extensive, integrated care system, rather than a fragmented approach (Source: https://youtu.be/GimX8v2xoMk&t=342).

In addition, external discussions have echoed similar sentiments regarding the necessity of securing mental health resources and the importance of having community-backed solutions for addressing supportive housing (Source: https://youtu.be/TiphmQiqSuM&t=2744).

Overall, the mayor’s perspectives reflected a commitment to a more holistic strategy for mental health treatment, emphasizing that legislative changes must align with the comprehensive needs of the city’s vulnerable populations.