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Office of Mental Health

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PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul Announces $35 Million for at Least 1,400 Supportive Housing Units across New York State

December 20, 2021

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced 192 conditional awards totaling $35 million to housing agencies in every region across New York to provide support services and operating funding for at least 1,400 units of supportive housing for homeless persons with special needs, conditions or other challenges.

PRESS RELEASE

DFS Secures $3.1 Million for New Yorkers Following Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Parity Compliance Review

December 14, 2021

Acting New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) Superintendent Adrienne A. Harris today secured $3.1 million for New Yorkers, following DFS’ review of New York insurers’ compliance with state and federal cost-sharing requirements for mental health and substance use disorder parity.

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul Announces $29.4 Million for Supportive Housing Projects and Emergency Shelter Repairs

December 13, 2021

Supported through the state's Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, these projects include emergency shelter repairs and developments that will create an additional 239 units of permanent supportive housing serving veterans, individuals with a history of substance use disorder, and those suffering from serious mental illness.

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul Signs Legislation to Help Track and Report Data on Veteran Suicides to Help Create Better Prevention Strategies

December 9, 2021

Governor Kathy Hochul today signed legislation (S.02036/A.03237) into law to establish another method of tracking veteran suicides in order to compile more accurate data regarding those suicides to better inform prevention strategies.

NEWS

PoliticsNY with Skye: Behind the Curtain with Dr. Ann Sullivan

December 7, 2021

OMH Commissioner, Dr. Ann Sullivan, is one of Schneps Media x PoliticsNY’s Healthcare Power Leaders. Watch her interview on PoliticsNY with Skye and learn about the services offered by OMH.

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul Announces $9 Million in Awards to Expand Services for Older New Yorkers in Communities Hard-Hit by COVID

December 3, 2021

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the selection of six mental health providers to receive up to $9 million over five years to support community programs that identify and assist adults age 55 or older whose independence or survival in the community is in jeopardy because of a mental health, substance use, or aging-related concern.

PRESS RELEASE

OMH Receives Grant to Expand Access to Fresh Healthy Produce to People with Mental Illness

December 2, 2021

The NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH) has received a $200,000 award to help people with mental illness gain access to healthy, fresh produce. The grant, from the NYS Health Foundation, will be used to expand the FreshConnect Checks Program and bring mobile farmers markets to congregate housing sites for residents with serious mental illness. OMH will also develop a curriculum for residents focused on purchasing, preparing, and consuming healthy foods.

PRESS RELEASE

OMH Announces Funding to Support Suicide Prevention Efforts for Uniformed Personnel

November 12, 2021

The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) today announced the launch of a new Initiative to strengthen suicide prevention efforts for uniformed personnel, including police and other law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical service members (EMS), corrections officers and military veterans.

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul Announces Availability of $4 Million in Federal Funding to Strengthen the State's Mental Health Peer Workforce

November 4, 2021

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the New York State Office of Mental Health has secured $4 million in workforce recruitment and retention funds that will help strengthen the state's mental health system by increasing access to peer services that support individuals and families in a wide array of treatment and service options.

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul Announces Completion of $48 Million Supportive Housing Development in the Bronx

November 3, 2021

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of a $47.9 million supportive and affordable housing complex in the Bronx that will serve individuals experiencing chronic homelessness, including those with a serious mental illness, veterans with disabilities, and the elderly.

PRESS RELEASE

OMH Awarded Grant for Research to Improve Understanding of the Human Brain

October 20, 2021

The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) today announced that its Nathan Kline Institute (NKI) received a $3.7 million research grant from the National Science Foundation to support the development and implementation of an ultra-high field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system that will be one of the most powerful neuro-imaging systems in the world. The MRI will help to dramatically advance our understanding of the human brain.

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul Announces Availability of $21 Million in Federal Funding to Strengthen the State's Mental Health Workforce

October 14, 2021

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the New York State Office of Mental Health has secured $21 million in workforce recruitment and retention funds that will help strengthen the state's mental health system and improve access to mental health services in communities across the state.

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul Announces Completion of $22 Million Affordable and Supportive Housing Development in Broome County

October 13, 2021

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced completion of a $22 million transformation of the underutilized Henry B. Endicott School building into 61 affordable apartments in the Broome County village of Endicott. Now known as Endicott Square, the development includes 15 apartments for formerly homeless families who will have access to on-site supportive services.

COMMISSIONER’S COLUMN

New York State Office of Mental Health Enhances Recruitment Efforts to Address Workforce Shortages

October 4, 2021

OMH is addressing the national workforce shortage by expanding our recruitment efforts and implementing both long and short term strategies. In the short term, OMH is using funding from the Mental Health Block Grant (MHBG) and Federal Medical Assistance Percentages (FMAP) to enhance, expand and sustain these services by providing a combination of targeted rate increases to eligible programs and flexible workforce recruitment and retention funds to support a wide range of activities to build capacity.

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul Announces Opening of Office of Mental Health's New $250 Million Inpatient Building on Staten Island

October 6, 2021

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the official opening of the Office of Mental Health's new inpatient building at the South Beach Psychiatric Center on Staten Island. The new $250 million structure, along with modifications made to the South Beach campus, is designed to resist the flooding that severely damaged the SBPC during Super Storm Sandy.

PRESS RELEASE

NYS Agencies Deliver Recommendations to Reduce Health Care Costs and Complexities for New York Consumers

October 4, 2021

The New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS), in conjunction with the New York State Department of Health (DOH), today delivered a report to the New York State Legislature with recommendations to reduce health care costs and complexities for the benefit of consumers, providers, and health insurers. The report reflects the year-long work of New York’s Health Care Administrative Simplification Workgroup, which was created by statute last year to study and evaluate this important issue.

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul Announces Lighting of NYS Landmarks and Bridges to Mark the End of Suicide Prevention Month

September 30, 2021

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New York State bridges and landmarks will be lit in purple and teal on September 30 to mark the final day of Suicide Prevention Month.

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul Announces $40 Million Renovation of Central New York Psychiatric Center in Oneida County

September 29, 2021

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the start of a $40 million modernization of the Office of Mental Health's Central New York Psychiatric Center and Secure Treatment and Rehabilitation Center campus in the Oneida County town of Marcy. The project undertaken by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York will overhaul 100,000 square feet of the facility, including its infrastructure.

PRESS RELEASE

OMH Announces Funding to Support Suicide Loss Survivors in Warren and Washington Counties

September 27, 2021

The New York State Office of Mental Health today announced a grant to The Warren Washington County Suicide Coalition for the development of an evidence-based program designed to help suicide loss survivors. The grant will be used to establish a Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors (LOSS) team in the two-county region.

PRESS RELEASE

OMH Announces Funding to Support Suicide Loss Survivors Awarded to Montgomery County

September 27, 2021

The New York State Office of Mental Health today announced a grant to Montgomery County for the development of an evidence-based program designed to help suicide loss survivors. The grant will be used to establish a Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors (LOSS) team in the county.

PRESS RELEASE

OMH Announces Funding to Support Suicide Loss Survivors Awarded to Monroe County

September 27, 2021

The New York State Office of Mental Health today announced a grant to Monroe County for the development of an evidence-based program designed to help suicide loss survivors. The grant will be used to establish a Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors (LOSS) team in the county. 

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul Announces Opening of New $28 Million Supportive Housing Development In Suffolk County

September 15, 2021

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of a new $28 million affordable and supportive housing development in Port Jefferson Station in the town of Brookhaven. Liberty Station offers 77 affordable homes with 45 apartments reserved for people in need of support services, including formerly homeless veterans.

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul Announces Series of Universal Mask Requirements to Protect New Yorkers amid Rise of Delta Variant

September 15, 2021

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a series of universal mask requirements designed to protect New Yorkers against the highly contagious Delta variant and the recent surge in COVID-19 infections statewide.

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul Announces Digital Campaign to Raise Awareness During Suicide Prevention Month

September 10, 2021

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a new digital public service announcement and other initiatives to raise awareness of suicide prevention and advise New Yorkers of available resources across the state. The Governor also issued a proclamation recognizing September as Suicide Prevention Month and September 10 as Suicide Prevention Day in New York.

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul Announces Opening of $37 Million Supportive Housing Development in Erie County

September 9, 2021

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the opening of a $37 million affordable and supportive housing development in the town of Cheektowaga. Apple Blossom Apartments offers 110 affordable homes with 60 apartments for individuals in need of supportive services.

PRESS RELEASE

OMH Announces Funding to Create 10 New Youth Assertive Community Treatment Teams Across the State

September 7, 2021

The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) has issued a Request For Proposals to award $9.4 Million in funding to expand Youth Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) teams throughout New York State. Youth ACT teams serve children ages 10 to 21 and their families, wrapping around services and supports in the home and community settings.

PRESS RELEASE

OMH Announces New Video Series to Help Parents and Students Prepare for Return to School

August 31, 2021

The New York State Office of Mental Health today announced a series of ‘Back to School 2021’ videos to assist and support parents, caregivers and students as they prepare for the new school year.

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul Announces Completion of $17 Million Affordable Housing Development in Syracuse

August 27, 2021

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of a $17 million affordable and supportive housing development in Syracuse. Supported with funding from New York State Homes and Community Renewal, Star Park Apartments offers 50 newly constructed homes with 30 supportive units reserved for adults who have experienced homelessness.

PRESS RELEASE

New York State Announces Completion of a $23 Million Affordable and Supportive Housing Development in Buffalo

August 12, 2021

New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas today announced the completion of a $23.2 million housing and healthcare development for seniors on Buffalo’s East Side. Westminster Commons includes 84 affordable and supportive apartments and the repurposed historic Westminster Settlement House.

PRESS RELEASE

New York State Announces Opening of new $40 Million Affordable and Supportive Housing Complex in Schenectady

August 12, 2021

New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas today announced the completion of Hillside Crossing, a new seven-building, 85-apartment affordable development located in Schenectady’s Hamilton Hill neighborhood. Twenty-six units are set aside for people in need of supportive services to live independently.

PRESS RELEASE

OMH Announces $35 Million Available to Fund Operating Costs of at Least 1,400 Supportive Housing Units

August 2, 2021

The sixth funding round of the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative, which will provide up to $35 million in service and operating funds for at least 1,400 supportive housing units was announced today. Since its creation in 2016, ESSHI has provided operating funds for more than 5,400 units of supportive housing. The goal is now to create 20,000 units over 15 years, and the Budget includes additional capital funding to continue this historic progress.

PRESS RELEASE

Construction Begins on $21 Million Supportive Housing Development in Amsterdam

July 22, 2021

New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas today announced that construction has begun on a $21 million affordable and supportive housing development in the city of Amsterdam. Upon completion, the Veddersburg Apartments will have 62 affordable homes, with 31 reserved for residents in need of support services.

PRESS RELEASE

OMH And SUNY Upstate Medical University Announce Expansion of Services for Children with Developmental Disabilities and Mental Health Issues

July 15, 2021

The NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH) and SUNY Upstate Medical University today announced an expansion of services for children who have a developmental disability as well as behavioral health needs.

COMMISSIONER’S COLUMN

How the COVID-19 Pandemic Underscores the Need for Trauma-Informed Care

July 2, 2021

The pandemic underscored the need for trauma-informed care, a system of practice that operates on the belief that services must be developed with the individual’s perspective in mind. It recognizes that a survivor’s perception of events plays a central role. This approach to care seeks to treat the whole person and address the past traumas that may have influenced an individual’s sense of self and hindered their ability to connect with others and make use of support services.

PRESS RELEASE

OMH Announces Construction of $18 Million Affordable and Supportive Housing Development in Troy

June 29, 2021

The start of construction on an $18 million affordable and supportive housing development in the city of Troy was announced today. The Hillside Views Neighborhood Revitalization project will redevelop eight vacant or underutilized parcels in the city's North Central area to create 51 energy-efficient affordable homes with 26 units reserved for previously homeless households in need of support services.

PRESS RELEASE

OMH and DFS Announce Insurance Carriers Complying with Requirements to Provide Coverage for Gender-Affirming Treatments

June 29, 2021

The NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH) and Department of Financial Services (DFS) today announced that insurance carriers in New York are complying with new State requirements to provide coverage for all gender-affirming treatments for gender dysphoria. Previously, many of these plans excluded some or all gender-affirming treatments as cosmetic.

PRESS RELEASE

OMH Announces New Supportive Housing in $56 Million Rehabilitation of 70 Historic Row Houses in Albany

June 3, 2021

The completion of a $56 million rehabilitation of 70 distressed row houses along historic Clinton Avenue and Ten Broeck Street in Albany was announced today. The Clinton Avenue Historic Apartments now offers 210 safe and affordable homes for families with 40 apartments set aside for residents who are formerly homeless or at risk of homelessness, and those with mental illness who will receive on-site supportive services.

PRESS RELEASE

OMH Recognizes Michael Devery, Chief Quality Officer at Brunswick Hospital Center, for Service to the Community with Commissioner’s Community Cares Awards

May 27, 2021

The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) is recognizing the work of Michael Devery, Chief Quality Officer at Brunswick Hospital Center and naming him a recipient of the annual OMH Commissioner’s Community Care Awards for 2021.

PRESS RELEASE

OMH Recognizes the Child Center of NY for Service to the Community with Commissioner’s Community Cares Awards

May 27, 2021

The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) is recognizing the work of The Child Center of NY (The Child Center) and naming the organization a recipient of the annual OMH Commissioner’s Community Care Awards.

PRESS RELEASE

OMH Recognizes Bernadette Kingham-Bez for Service to the Community with Commissioner’s Community Care Awards

May 27, 2021

The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) is recognizing the work and commitment of Bernadette Kingham-Bez, Executive Director of St. Vincent’s Hospital Westchester and Senior Vice President of Saint Joseph’s Medical Center in Yonkers, and is naming her a recipient of the annual OMH Commissioner’s Community Care Awards for 2021.

PRESS RELEASE

OMH Recognizes Jay Ulrich, Director of Community Services for St. Lawrence County for Service to the Community with Commissioner’s Community Care Awards

May 27, 2021

The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) is recognizing the work and commitment of Jay Ulrich, Director of Services for St. Lawrence County and director of the County Mental Health Clinic and naming him a recipient of the annual OMH Commissioner’s Community Care Awards for 2021.

PRESS RELEASE

OMH Recognizes Wayne Behavioral Health Network for Service to the Community with Commissioner’s Community Care Awards

May 27, 2021

The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) is recognizing the work and commitment of Wayne Behavioral Health Network (WBHN) and naming the organization as a recipient of the annual OMH Commissioner’s Community Care Awards for 2021.

PRESS RELEASE

DFS Announces “Mental Health Matters”: Consumer Protection Initiatives for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Parity in Insurance Coverage

May 25, 2021

For Mental Health Awareness month, The NYS Department of Financial Services announced “Mental Health Matters,” a series of initiatives to ensure that New York consumers who need mental health and substance use disorder services are not discriminated against when seeking coverage under their health insurance policies. The initiatives include a new regulation to protect consumers from provider directory misinformation and a comprehensive review of insurers for parity compliance.

PRESS RELEASE

OMH Awards $30 Million for Support Teams to Assist Long-Term Homeless People and Individuals Transitioning from Inpatient Care

May 19, 2021

The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) today announced an award of $30 million over five years to Coordinated Behavioral Care (CBC) to operate eight treatment teams that work with vulnerable New Yorkers living with mental illness. The teams focus on people transitioning back to the community from psychiatric inpatient care and on long-term homeless people living on the streets and in the subway system.

PRESS RELEASE

OMH Announces Completion of $6.4 Million Supportive and Transitional Housing Development for Homeless New Yorkers

May 13, 2021

The completion of Cooper Street Apartments, a $6.4 million, 34-unit transitional and permanent supportive housing development that will serve formerly homeless individuals and families in Glens Falls was announced. Construction of the two-story building was funded with $5.8 million from the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance's Homeless Housing and Assistance Program and is operated by the Warren-Washington Association for Mental Health.

PRESS RELEASE

OMH/OASAS Vaccination Program Partnership Administers 70,000 Doses of Covid-19 Vaccine to Clients and Staff

May 10, 2021

A vaccination program developed and managed by the NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH) in partnership with the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), has administered more than 70,000 COVID-19 vaccines to clients and staff of the two agencies, as well as those from other health and human services agencies, including the Offices for People with Developmental Disabilities, Children and Family Services, and Temporary and Disability Assistance.

PRESS RELEASE

New York State Recognizes Capital Region Mental Health Commissioner with Lifetime Achievement Award

May 4, 2021

New York State is honoring Katherine G. Alonge-Coons, the Rensselaer County Mental Health Commissioner, with the 2021 ‘What’s Great in our State’ Lifetime Achievement Award.

PRESS RELEASE

New York State Recognizes Central New York System of Care for Its Dedication to Children’s Mental Health

May 4, 2021

New York State is honoring the Otsego County System of Care with the 2021 ‘What’s Great in our State’ System of Care Award.

PRESS RELEASE

New York State Recognizes Western New York Parent for Role as a Family Support Specialist

May 4, 2021

New York State is honoring Bethany Morgan, a Family Support Specialist at BestSelf Behavioral Health in Buffalo, with the 2021 ‘What’s Great in our State’ Family/Caregiver Award.

PRESS RELEASE

New York State Recognizes New York City Man for Inspirational Advocacy Efforts

May 4, 2021

New York State is honoring Jeremiah Farduchi, a young man from New York City, with the 2021 ‘What’s Great in our State’ Youth/Young Adult Award.

PRESS RELEASE

New York State Recognizes Long Island School District for Its Impact on Student Mental Wellness

May 4, 2021

New York State is honoring the Great Neck North High School with the 2021 ‘What’s Great in our State’ School/School District Award.

PRESS RELEASE

New York State Recognizes New York City Organization for Improving Mental Health Outcomes at 8 New York City Schools

May 4, 2021

New York State is honoring the Henry Street Settlement’s School Based Mental Health Clinics, with the 2020 ‘What’s Great in our State’ Community/Organization Award.

PRESS RELEASE

The Office of Mental Health Announces Partnerships to Reimagine Mental Health and Improve Access to Services

March 31, 2021

The NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH) today announced a new awareness campaign and partnership with non-profit organizations and advocacy groups to help New Yorkers better understand mental health issues and the services available.

COMMISSIONER'S COLUMN

Technology Helps OMH Increase Access and Continuity of Healthcare

March 31, 2021

OMH acted quickly in early March 2020, waiving certain regulations to allow rapid approval for the use of telehealth, and providing regulatory and billing flexibility to encourage the expansion of telehealth during the COVID-19 Disaster Emergency.

LATEST NEWS

OMH Issues $30 Million RFP for Support Teams to Assist Vulnerable and Long-Term Homeless In NYC

March 5, 2021

The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) today issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to develop eight treatment teams that will work with vulnerable New Yorkers living with mental illness, including people transitioning from inpatient care and long-term homeless people living on the streets and in the subway system.

LATEST NEWS

Commissioner’s Testimony on the 2021-22 Executive Budget

February 5, 2021

Commissioner Sullivan presented testimony on the 2021-22 Executive Budget to the NYS Assembly and NYS Senate Fiscal Committees

PRESS RELEASE

OMH Announces $30 Million in Awards to Finance Construction and Services for 1,200 Supportive Housing Units

January 29, 2021

The fifth round of awards from the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative, which will provide $30 million annually to fund support services and operating costs for at least 1,200 units of supportive housing for homeless persons with special needs, conditions or other challenges was announced today. The 179 conditional awards will help 104 community providers create housing opportunities in 41 counties across New York.

PRESS RELEASE

New York State Announces Proposal to Expand Access to Telehealth for All as Part of 2021 State of the State

January 10, 2021

Legislation to expand and improve access to telehealth for all was announced today as part of the 2021 State of the State. The COVID-19 pandemic laid bare the inequities in our healthcare system and showed that telehealth is a critical tool to expand access and lower costs for low-income communities, especially for behavioral health support.

COMMISSIONER'S COLUMN

Office of Mental Health Seeks to Address the Social Determinants That Affect Mental Health in Our Communities

January 1, 2021

A part of New York State's strength lies in its diversity, which provides us with the wisdom of many different cultures from which we can all learn. But diversity is often accompanied by inexcusable inequity, as residents of some communities are exposed greater risk of health problems.