Categories: New York City
09.23.2024
On September 23rd the Network joined Correct Crisis Intervention Today (CCIT-NYC) with over 100 fellow advocates for a #PeersNotPolice Rally in advance of the New York City Council B-HEARD and Mental Health Crisis Response Oversight Hearing and then testified at the hearing.
New York City elected officials and impacted advocates at the rally spoke to the urgent need for changes to the City’s mental health crisis response pilot program, Behavioral Health Emergency Assistance Response Division (B-HEARD).
New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams said, “We are in a moment in time when you ask anyone - including the police themselves – ‘should police be the first responders to mental health crises?’ Everyone will tell you, ‘no.’ Most calls to B-HEARD are still be responded to by the police. We have the power, we just need the political courage to stop it.”
Council Member Tiffany Cabán said, “We know best practices is peers not police. We know it saves lives and what needs to be done.”
CCIT-NYC Steering Committee Member Alex Brass said, “When police came during my mental health crisis, it kicked it up to a higher gear. It then took me two years to recover. My experience is unfortunately the mildest. Many people aren’t able to be here today because they were shot and killed.”
CCIT-NYC Steering Committee Member Jim Bohovich, said, “Peers listen, provide hope and connect quickly with those in crisis. Peers care deeply. Let’s put peers out there today. People don’t need to keep dying from mental health crises.”
Network Associate Director of Engagement and Communications Joelle Ballam-Schwan then testified at B-HEARD and Responses to Mental Health Crises Oversight Hearing Testimony Before the NYC Council Committee on Mental Health, Disabilities and Addiction Jointly with the Committee on Public Safety, Committee on Hospitals, and the Committee on Fire and Emergency Management.
Joelle spoke to the need specifically for the supportive housing community – both staff and tenants – for a peer-led, non-police resource to call upon when an individual is in crisis. She then explained that best practice for crisis response includes peers on response teams and that over 70% of mental-health related 911 calls in the precincts B-HEARD operates in are still receiving a police response.
She concluded that B-HEARD is a very important step in the right direction, but significant changes must be implemented as soon as possible: ensure peers are on response teams, route the dispatch system through 988, and then expand the program to operate at all hours and across the city.
Read the full testimony HERE.
See below for press coverage of the rally and hearing:
NYC must fix its mental health crisis response
Mental health advocates to protest City Council hearing over crisis program
Mental health advocates call for changes to city-run crisis response program
More 911 mental health calls are going to an NYPD alternative, but police still handle most
NYC's B-Heard mental health program in the spotlight at City Council hearing