ALBANY, N.Y. (NEXSTAR) — On Monday, the Mental Health Association in New York State (MHANYS) released 10 recommendations to improve New York’s mental health crisis response. They said that the state misses too many opportunities to intervene on behalf of people with mental health needs, leading to scapegoating, stigmatizing, and discriminating against them.
MHANYS said that about 25% of jobs in the industry are vacant, and that lack of workers delays care and contributes to waitlists. They want the state to invest in the workforce to fix staffing shortages, arguing that Gov. Kathy Hochul should budget for a 7.8% pay increase in the field for the upcoming fiscal year.
MHANYS wants better support for those getting out of hospitals, prisons, or jails. To achieve safer “hand-offs,” they proposed monitoring people with mental health or substance use disorders for 30 days after release when they’re at their most vulnerable. Approving regulations that require hospitals to coordinate follow-up care after discharge would also help.