From New York to Washington: Bringing Justice Home
I’m writing this message on a train to Washington, D.C. At the last minute, I was asked to testify before a congressional committee at a hearing examining H.R. 2646, the “The Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act,” better known as the Murphy Bill. The most comprehensive federal mental health legislation in more than 50 years, the bill has attracted both praise and criticism.
Overall, I feel it supports many of the principles Community Access embraces – including the valuable role peers play in the workforce and an emphasis on results and outcomes. However, other elements are very troubling, such as a requirement that all states pass assisted outpatient treatment (AOT) laws, which are designed to force “noncompliant” people with mental health conditions into care. We feel this violates the basic tenets of medicine, personal liberty, and human rights. We should be developing services and supports that people truly want.
The bill also endorses the expansion of Medicaid payments for inpatient treatment, which is now limited to facilities with under 16 beds. We do not believe there is a shortage of hospital beds and our peer-operated respite center and support line have demonstrated that there are cost-effective alternatives to hospitalization for individuals in crisis.
As Community Access continues to expand and enhance its programs, we will always strive to maintain a set of core values that support the rights and dignity of the people we serve. As much as health care reform is needed, it must not be at the expense of these values.
Please check out the links below to see how, together, we’re moving forward. And feel free to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to let me know what you think.
Featured Blogs
- Meet Diana Burgos: Community Access tenant, volunteer, and supporter
- From Russia With Questions: A Thought-Provoking Meeting
In the News
- CNN: Free mental safe houses open in New York City
- Crain's: NYC to get less of homeless-housing fund
- WNYC: Respite From the Storm
