Let's Celebrate a Big Win Today!
I've worked in mental health advocacy long enough to know: (a) don't expect instant results, and (b) it's always a big group effort. That's why it's such a great pleasure to share with you today news of a BIG win. Major de Blasio just announced far-reaching plans to strengthen ties between criminal justice and behavioral health in NYC, which incorporate:
- Allocated funds of $130 million over four years
- Expanded training for 5,500 police officers
- The creation of new community-based drop-off centers, as alternatives to incarceration/hospitalization for mental health recipients involved in police encounters
At the forefront of a broad coalition - Communities for Crisis Intervention Teams - Community Access (led by our CEO Steve Coe) spent many years campaigning for these reforms. As outlined in a new citywide Action Plan, they point to a much brighter future for New Yorkers, as a whole, and mental health recipients, in particular. Truly, they are cause for celebration. And a strong reminder that our elected officials often do respond favorably to effective advocacy, via press conferences, rallies, op-eds, community board meetings, Twitter, and much else besides.
Showing up and speaking up really does make a difference, and 'staying the course' often leads to City Hall, Albany, and beyond. Together we made our voices heard
Here are some major landmarks along the way (click the links for more info):
December 1, 2014
Administration of Mayor de Blasio announces major new plans to strengthen ties between criminal justice and behavioral health in NYC:
- Mayor's Task Force on Behavioral Health
and the Criminal Justice System
Action Plan (2014) - New York Times: NYC Plans Focus on Mental Health in Justice System
March 18, 2014 (Albany)
A joint CCIT and NYAPRS press conference called for additional statewide funds to support improved training for police officers. A month later leaders in the state legislature included $400,000 to launch a statewide program to assist police departments in designing and implementing crisis intervention teams.
Media coverage included:February 19, 2014 (City Hall)
Now a 70-strong coalition, the Communities for Crisis Intervention Teams was joined in a second City Hall press conference by State Senator Kevin Parker, and Brooklyn Borough President (and retired NYPD Captain) Eric Adams—to again call for improved responses to police interactions involving mental health recipients.
Media coverage included:
- The Nation: It's Time for the NYPD to...
- PR Newswire: Bill Calling for Specially Trained Crisis Intervention Teams...
September 25, 2013 (City Hall)
On the steps of City Hall, Council members Rosie Mendez, Brad Lander, Jumaane Williams, and Margaret Chin joined CA CEO Steve Coe—and a coalition of 35 behavioral health providers and concerned citizens—at a press conference to call for the creation of specially trained crisis intervention teams in NYC.
Media coverage included:
- WNYC: Advocates Urge NYPD to Reform...
- PR Newswire: CCIT NYC coalition on the steps of City Hall
September 1, 2013
A great deal of advocacy work these days happens online: sharing resources, planning events, etc. That's why we launched a new Communities for Crisis Intervention Teams website, which continues to be a gathering place for new supporters of our cause.
January 29, 2013 (Albany)
CA staff, tenants, and program participants were among more than 700 individuals at the NYAPRS (New York Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services) 15th Annual Legislative Day in Albany, NY. Always a big deal for us, it's an excellent opportunity to influence lawmakers, as well as State and City budgets. (More than 300 of us travelled up from NYC.)
Fall 2012
Together with a group of other NYC nonprofits and community partners, Community Access formed the Communities for Crisis Intervention Teams - a united front campaigning for a common cause. The coalition has steadily grown in size ever since.
