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Office of Mental Health

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PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul Announces 125 Awards to Provide Operating Funding for up to 5,000 Supportive Housing Units Statewide

December 30, 2022

Governor Kathy Hochul announced 125 conditional awards for annual funding to provide services and operating expenses for up to 5,000 units of supportive housing to serve older adults, survivors of domestic and gender-based violence, veterans and chronically homeless families as well as individuals with a mental illness or substance use disorder, among others.

PRESS RELEASE

OMH Partners With Behavioral Health News to Co-Sponsor Series of Mental Health Stigma Roundtable Discussions

December 27, 2022

The NYS Office of Mental Health is partnering with Behavioral Health News to sponsor four roundtable discussions on the impact of stigma on the care and treatment of people living with mental illness. The first of the 2023 Mental Health Stigma Roundtable Discussion Series will be held on Thursday, January 12th at 2pm ET. The roundtables are all virtual, free, and open to the public. Registration information is available on the Behavioral Health News website.

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul Announces Availability of $7.2 Million for Residential Step-Down Housing in New York City

December 15, 2022

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the availability of $7.2 million to develop short-term transitional residences in New York City to help formerly unhoused individuals make the transition from inpatient care into units with services that are designed to foster living in independent settings. Administered by the state Office of Mental Health, the state funding will help establish four Community Residential Step-Down programs and a total of 60 units of housing to serve individuals living with mental illness on the streets or in the subway system.

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul Announces Availability of $16 Million to Develop Supportive Housing

December 13, 2022

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the availability of up to $16 million in annual state funding to operate scattered-site housing with support services for people who are experiencing homelessness on the street and in the subway system in New York City. Administered by the state Office of Mental Health, the funding will help develop 500 additional units of supportive housing, which will then take referrals from the city's Safe Options Support teams.

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul Announces Completion of $24 Million Affordable and Supportive Housing Development in Plattsburgh

December 13, 2022

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the completion of a $24 million affordable housing development in the town of Plattsburgh. Northwoods features 80 new affordable apartments, including 40 with supportive services.

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams Announce Start of Construction on $72 Million Mixed-Use Affordable and Supportive Housing Development in the Bronx

December 09, 2022

Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams today announced that construction has begun on a $72 million affordable housing development in the Fordham Heights section of the Bronx. Bedford Green House II will create 46 affordable apartments for families and seniors and 70 supportive apartments for people experiencing homelessness.

PRESS RELEASE

OASAS and OMH Announce Funding to Help New Yorkers Access Insurance Coverage for Substance Use And Mental Healthcare

December 07, 2022

The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), and the Office of Mental Health (OMH) announced awards totaling up to $320,000 for four community-based organizations to help educate the public on their rights and access to insurance coverage for behavioral health issues. The awards were issued through the Community Health Access to Addiction and Mental Healthcare Project (CHAMP).

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul Announces $9 Million Loan Repayment Program for Mental Health Workers

November 23, 2022

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $9 million in state funding for a loan repayment program to help community mental health agencies recruit and retain psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners. Administered by the New York State Office of Mental Health, the Community Mental Health Loan Repayment Program will provide loan repayments of up to $120,000 for psychiatrists and $30,000 for psychiatric nurse practitioners, provided they remain employed by licensed community mental health programs for three years.

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul Announces $3.3 Million to Expand Mental Health Services for Youth

November 18, 2022

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced more than $3.3 million to community-based healthcare providers that will increase access to mental health services for children and families across the state. Administered through the state Office of Mental Health, the federal funding is aimed at helping community-based service providers better serve children and youth who are dually diagnosed with mental illness and a developmental disability or substance use disorder.

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams Announce Major Actions to Keep Subways Safe and Address Transit Crime, Building on Ongoing State and City Collaboration

October 22, 2022

New York Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced expanded initiatives to keep New York City subways safe and address transit crime. The initiatives include a significant investment from the State's public emergency fund and a commitment to work with the city on a dedicated revenue source to support additional police presence in the subway system. NYPD and MTA will surge officer presence on platforms by approximately 1,200 additional overtime officer shifts each day on the subway — equating to approximately 10,000 additional overtime patrol hours every day — as well as two new dedicated units at psychiatric centers to help provide those experiencing serious mental health illness with the assistance they need.

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul Announces Completion of $51 Million Affordable Housing Development in the Bronx

October 18, 2022

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of Tremont Residences, a $50.6 million affordable housing development in the West Farms area of the Bronx. The new 119-apartment development offers onsite services for people experiencing homelessness who need support to live independently.

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul Announces Opening of $5.9 Million Supportive Housing Development in Suffolk County

October 7, 2022

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the opening of Mercy Gardens, a $5.9 million supportive housing development in Central Islip, in Suffolk County. Supported with $5.2 million in state funding, this project created 19 units of permanent supportive housing for formerly homeless individuals and families.

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul Announces $5 Million for Capital Region Suicide Prevention Program

October 6, 2022

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a $5 million multi-agency pilot program aimed at reducing suicide among vulnerable groups in Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer and Saratoga counties. Funded through a grant from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and administered by the state Office of Mental Health, Capital Connect will utilize data from state agencies and local partners to identify at-risk groups for focused prevention efforts in specific areas and industries in the four-county region. New York is one of only six states to receive the grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

PRESS RELEASE

NYSOFA Sponsors ‘All The Lonely People’: Twenty Free Film Screenings & Community Conversations on the Hidden Epidemic of Social Isolation

October 4, 2022

Film screenings and Q&A with the directors to inspire conversation about ways to address social isolation and loneliness, which have severe health impacts for older adults and people of all ages.

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul Launches First Annual New York State Disability Rights and Employment Awareness Month

October 4, 2022

Governor Kathy Hochul today launched New York's first annual Disability Rights and Employment Awareness Month Symposium, featuring both a full day event consisting of a vendor fair, workshops, entertainment and award presentations, and will also offer an online job fair aimed at highlighting the state's commitment to supporting the rights of people with disabilities in the workplace next Tuesday, October 11.

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul Announces Groundbreaking of $64 Million Affordable Supportive Housing Development in Rochester

September 21, 2022

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that construction has begun on Canal Commons, a $64 million development that will convert a 19th century manufacturing facility into 123 affordable and supportive apartments. Located in Rochester's Susan B. Anthony neighborhood, the building will include 70 homes with supportive services.

PRESS RELEASE

OMH Partners with NYAPRS to Create Psychiatric Rehabilitation Training Academy

September 20, 2022

The NYS Office of Mental Health today announced a collaboration with the New York Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services (NYAPRS) to create a Psychiatric Rehabilitation Training Academy. Psychiatric rehabilitation helps adults living with major mental health conditions obtain the skills, supports and resources needed to successfully advance their health and recovery and to meet their essential personal social, employment, housing and related life goals.

PRESS RELEASE

OMH Hosts Annual Suicide Prevention Conference

September 19, 2022

To help raise awareness and share the latest developments, findings and techniques regarding suicide prevention, the NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH) is hosting the three-day 2022 Suicide Prevention Conference, beginning September 20.

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul Announces Completion of $26 Million Affordable Housing Development in Oswego

September 15, 2022

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of a $26 million affordable and supportive housing development in the city of Oswego. Lock 7 Apartments features 80 affordable apartments, including 40 units reserved for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The building is the third state-funded affordable housing development in Oswego to open this year.

PRESS RELEASE

State Buildings and Landmarks Lit Purple and Teal for Suicide Prevention Day

September 10, 2022

September is Suicide Prevention Month, and today, September 10, is World Suicide Prevention Day. Governor Hochul yesterday announced that state bridges and landmarks would be lit in purple and teal - the colors of suicide prevention – on September 9 and tonight, September 10, to mark Suicide Prevention Month and Day in New York State.

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul Announces Statewide Initiatives to Raise Awareness During Suicide Prevention Month

September 9, 2022

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a new digital public service campaign and other statewide initiatives to raise awareness of suicide prevention efforts and the mental health resources available to all New Yorkers. Governor Hochul also issued a proclamation in advance of Suicide Prevention Day, and recognizing September as National Suicide Prevention Month, marking both by illuminating state buildings and landmarks in purple and teal for two days starting September 9.

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul Announces $35 Million Available for Permanent Supportive Housing Projects

September 8, 2022

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the availability of $35 million in funding to provide supportive services for affordable housing projects statewide. The seventh round of funding through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative will help cover operating expenses for 1,400 units of permanent supportive housing that will help reduce housing instability among vulnerable populations in New York.

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul Announces Opening of $5.2 Million Supportive Housing Development in St. Lawrence County

August 29, 2022

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the opening of a $5.2 million supportive housing project in Ogdensburg in St. Lawrence County. Funded through the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, this development has created 20 units of permanent supportive housing at a former elementary school for adults with mental illness who experienced homelessness.

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul Announces $4 Million to Increase Mental Health Workforce Diversity

August 25, 2022

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $4 million in federal funding to support underrepresented students entering or enrolled in mental health degree programs at State University of New York or City University of New York campuses.

PRESS RELEASE

OMH Launches Partnership to Help Black New Yorkers Heal from Buffalo Tragedy and Increased Rates of Trauma

August 19, 2022

The NYS Office of Mental Health is partnering with the Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi), Inc. to provide specialized “healing circle” support groups for individuals and families traumatized by the racially motivated mass shooting in Buffalo earlier this year and increased incidents of hate crimes in general.

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul Launches Health Care Worker Bonus Program

August 3, 2022

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of the Health Care and Mental Hygiene Worker Bonus program. Enacted in the Fiscal Year 2023 New York State Budget, the program includes $1.3 billion allocated for the payment of recruitment and retention bonuses to certain health care and mental hygiene workers, a key initiative in the Governor's aim to increase the state's health care workforce by 20 percent over the next five years.

PRESS RELEASE

OMH Breaks Ground on Major Renovations and Expansion at Western NY Children's Psychiatric Center

August 2, 2022

NYS Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan was joined by State Legislators, local elected officials and children’s mental health advocates to break ground on renovation work at the Western New York Children’s Psychiatric Center (WNYCPC) that will remake the facility into a state-of-the-art center for children and adolescents.

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul Signs Legislative Package to Uphold and Strengthen Rights of People with Disabilities

July 26, 2022

Governor Kathy Hochul today signed a legislative package that further upholds and strengthens the rights of New Yorkers with disabilities. This legislative package encourages autonomy in decision making through a Supported Decision-Making Agreement and seeks to educate the public about the myriad ways people with intellectual and developmental disabilities contribute meaningfully to their communities and reduce harmful stigma and stereotyping. Governor Hochul also issued a proclamation today commemorating the 32nd Anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act.

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul Announces Start of Construction on $22 Million Mixed-use Development in Franklin County

July 19, 2022

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that construction has begun on a mixed-use development with 40 affordable apartments and five commercial spaces in the Franklin County Village of Malone. The $22 million Harison Place will have on-site support services for 20 households experiencing homelessness. The complex replaces a row of blighted buildings on Main Street in the core of the village's downtown.

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul Announces $75 Million in Awards to Develop New Intensive Crisis Stabilization Centers

July 19, 2022

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced funding awards of up to $75 million to create nine new Intensive Crisis Stabilization Centers across the State that will assist any adult, child, or adolescent experiencing a behavioral health crisis. The centers will provide evaluation, care, and treatment in a safe and welcoming environment, 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

PRESS RELEASE

OMH Enters Contract with Top Hospitals and Universities in NYS to Expand and Strengthen Project Teach

July 14, 2022

The NYS Office of Mental Health is collaborating with some of the top universities and hospitals in the state to expand access to Project TEACH (Training and Education for the Advancement of Children’s Health) an innovative program that helps New York's pediatric primary care providers deliver care to children and families who experience mild-to-moderate mental health concerns.

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul Announces Successful Implementation of 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

July 13, 2022

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the successful implementation of 988 in New York State as the new three-digit number to call or text to be connected to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. All 62 counties in New York State will be covered for the launch of the new 988 Lifeline, which will ensure that anyone with a New York area code contacting 988 will be connected to one of New York's 988 crisis centers.

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul Announces $71 Million Available for Development of 12 Supportive Crisis Stabilization Centers

July 7, 2022

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the state is seeking proposals for $71 million in funding available for the development of 12 new Supportive Crisis Stabilization Centers across New York State. The Centers will provide support and assistance to individuals with mental health and/or substance use crisis symptoms who are experiencing potentially harmful situations.

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul Announces $104 Million for 864 Affordable and Supportive Homes Across New York

July 6, 2022

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that $104 million has been awarded to create or preserve 864 affordable homes in 16 separate developments across New York. The funding announced today will further local economic development initiatives, expand the housing supply in every region, fight homelessness with supportive services for vulnerable populations, and help close the digital divide for lower-income households.

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul Announces Completion of $21.7 Million Affordable and Supportive Housing Development in Ithaca

June 21, 2022

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that construction is complete on a $21.7 million affordable and supportive housing development in Ithaca. The highly energy efficient building known as West End Heights offers 60 apartments, 38 of which are reserved for people in need of support services to live independently.

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul Announces Completion of $49 Million Affordable and Supportive Housing Development in Yonkers

June 9, 2022

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of a $49 million housing development that will bring 80 new affordable apartments to downtown Yonkers. Landy Court, a seven-story building located on School Street, will include homes reserved for formerly unhoused residents who will have access to on-site supportive services.

PRESS RELEASE

Office of Mental Health Announces $1m Grant to Expand Youth Mental Health First Aid Training Across New York State

June 3, 2022

The NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH) has awarded the Mental Health Association in New York State (MHANYS) $1 million to facilitate Youth Mental Health First Aid training to adults who regularly interact with young people, including healthcare providers, teachers, clergy, parents, first responders and other groups.

PRESS RELEASE

Office of Mental Health Announces $105,000 in Funding Awards for Stigma Reduction Projects

June 2, 2022

ALBANY, NY – The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) today announced seven awards totaling $105,000 to support community-based organizations in their efforts to address and reduce the stigma often associated with mental illness.

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul Announces Start of Construction on $55 Million Mixed-Use Housing Development in Syracuse

June 1, 2022

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the start of construction on a $55 million affordable and supportive housing development in Syracuse. The project will convert the historic four-building Moyer Factory complex into 128 apartments and ground floor commercial space, with 50 homes reserved for individuals and families in need of supportive services.

NEWS

Show Your Support for Mental Health Awareness with Custom Plates from the DMV

June 1, 2022

The "Healthy Minds, Healthy New York" plates are available through NYS Department of Motor Vehicles. It's easy to order the plates online, over the phone, by mail or in person at a local DMV office. A portion of the fee for the specialized plates helps support the Mental Illness Anti-Stigma Fund.

NEWS

Office of Mental Health Helping New Yorkers Heal After Mass Shooting

May 18, 2022

ALBANY, N.Y. (WTEN) — In the wake of the mass shooting that happened in Buffalo, the state’s Office of Mental Health is providing necessary resources to help New Yorkers heal. The Office says what happened in Buffalo was of colossal magnitude and requires a long-term healing process.

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul Signs Legislation to Provide Addiction and Mental Health Services Training for First Responders

May 6, 2022

Governor Kathy Hochul today signed legislation S.07144/A.07686 providing addiction and mental health services training, including crisis intervention team training, mental health first aid, implicit bias and naloxone training, to firefighters and emergency medical services personnel in regions where crisis stabilization centers are located.

PRESS RELEASE

New York State Recognizes Central New York Program for Its Efforts to Improve Children’s Mental Health

May 3, 2022

Albany, NY –New York State is honoring The Promise Zone, a school-based mental health program in Onondaga County, with the 2022 ‘What’s Great in our State’ Community/Organization Award.

PRESS RELEASE

New York State Recognizes Capital Region School District for Its Impact on Student Mental Wellness

May 3, 2022

Albany, NY – New York State is honoring the Rensselaer City School District and its Project AWARE program with the 2022 ‘What’s Great in our State’ School/School District Award. This award recognizes education systems that have increasingly recognized the importance of supporting wellness and addressing the mental health needs of its students.

PRESS RELEASE

New York State Recognizes Long Island Mother for Improving Mental Health Outcomes

May 3, 2022

Albany, NY – New York State is honoring Nicole Drey, a Licensed Master Social Worker from Long Island, with the 2022 ‘What’s Great in our State’ Family/Caregiver Award. This award recognizes family members or caregivers who have made a difference in their community through their professional or volunteer work, using their own lived experience.

PRESS RELEASE

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

May 3, 2022

Albany, NY - New York State is honoring the Hempstead Prevention Coalition with the 2022 ‘What’s Great in our State’ System of Care Award.

PRESS RELEASE

New York State Recognizes Southern Tier Psychiatrist with Lifetime Achievement Award

May 3, 2022

Albany, NY –New York State is honoring Dr. Esteban Fuertes, a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at the Greater Binghamton Health Center, with the 2022 ‘What’s Great in our State’ Lifetime Achievement Award.

PRESS RELEASE

New York State Recognizes Western New York Youth for Inspirational Advocacy Efforts

May 3, 2022

Albany, NY – New York State is honoring Angela Colon-Rentas, a Rochester-based Youth Peer Advocate, with the 2022 ‘What’s Great in our State’ Youth/Young Adult Award. This award recognizes young people with lived mental health experience who have taken their personal mental health knowledge and experiences to make a difference in their community.

PRESS RELEASE

New York State Landmarks to Be Lit in Blue for Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week

May 2, 2022

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that New York State landmarks will be lit in blue on Tuesday, May 3, 2022 to help raise awareness of tardive dyskinesia (TD), a movement disorder characterized by a range of repetitive muscle movements in the face, neck, arms, and legs. TD primarily occurs as a side effect of long-term use of certain antipsychotic medications as well as medications used to treat nausea and neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease.

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul Announces $7.2 Million Federal Award to Strengthen Crisis Call Centers

April 29, 2022

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New York State has been awarded $7.2 million by the United States Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to help strengthen crisis call center services in preparation for the transition on July 16, 2022, of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to the number 988 from the current 1-800-273-8255.

COMMISSIONER’S COLUMN

Peer Professionals and the Important Role They Play in the Recovery Process

April 20, 2022

The work of Peer professionals complements the work done by therapists, case managers, and other members of a treatment team. Numerous research studies have indicated that Peer professionals can play a significant role in improving health and wellness, because of their ability to build trust, form one-to-one relationships, and give hope to others.

PRESS RELEASE

OMH Announces Funding to Strengthen Suicide Prevention Efforts for Veterans and Uniformed Personnel

March 30, 2022

The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) today announced funding for a new initiative to strengthen resiliency and suicide prevention efforts among military Veterans and uniformed personnel, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical service members, and corrections officers.

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul Announces $50 Million Available to Increase Student Access to Mental Health Services

March 30, 2022

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced up to $50 million in available funding for school districts to improve student access to mental health resources and assist students who have experienced trauma that has impacted their education. A Request for Proposals has been issued by the New York State Office of Mental Health, who will administer the program.

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul Announces $21 Million in Funding for Nation’s First Assertive Community Treatment Teams Dedicated to Children and Their Families

March 29, 2022

Governor Kathy Hochul announced $21 million in funding awards for 15 Youth Assertive Community Treatment teams. New York is the first state in the nation to enact Youth Assertive Community Treatment teams, which serve children ages 10 to 21 and their families, providing services and support in the home and community settings.

PRESS RELEASE

OMH Announces 2022 Mental Health Equity Journey Awards

March 15, 2022

The NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH) today announced the recipients of the agency’s 2022 Mental Health Equity Journey Awards, which are given to organizations and individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to improving access to healthcare for New Yorkers in marginalized and underserved communities.

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul Announces $2.5 Million In Funding for Mental Health Resource Center for Schools

March 14, 2022

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the availability of $2.5 million over five years to create and support a Mental Health Resource and Training Technical Assistance Center for Schools. The center will support all New York State public and private schools, and assist them in providing mental health education as part of the K-12 health curricula.

PRESS RELEASE

OMH Announces Availability of $105,000 in Funding for Stigma Reduction Projects

March 3, 2022

The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) today announced the availability of up to $105,000 in grant funding for projects that help reduce the stigma often associated with mental illness. Funding is provided through the voluntary tax check-off program launched in 2016, which allows taxpayers to contribute easily to the ‘Mental Illness Anti-Stigma Fund’ when filing their NYS taxes.

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul Announces Funding for Additional Innovative, Effective Community-Based Treatment Teams

March 2, 2022

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the availability of more than $14 million in annual funding for 14 new Assertive Community Treatment teams across the State. ACT is an innovative and highly effective community-based mental health program that serves individuals who have serious mental illness and have not been successfully engaged by the traditional mental health treatment and rehabilitation system.

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul Announces Major Investments to Improve Psychiatric Support for Those in Crisis

February 18, 2022

Governor Kathy Hochul today, at an event with New York City Mayor Eric Adams, announced major investments to help improve access to acute mental health care and hospital psychiatric beds across New York State. The initiatives are part of a plan to provide the necessary support and services for people with serious mental illness experiencing homelessness, as well as others in crisis.

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul Establishes Office of the Chief Disability Officer

February 14, 2022

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the establishment of the Office of the Chief Disability Officer to advocate on behalf of persons with disabilities and appointed Kimberly T. Hill as the State's first Chief Disability Officer.

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul Announces $100 Million for Behavioral Health Crisis Stabilization Centers

February 2, 2022

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced availability of more than $100 million in funding over the next five years for 12 new Intensive Crisis Stabilization Centers across the State that will provide immediate care for people who are experiencing a behavioral health crisis. The Office of Mental Health (OMH) and the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), have issued a joint Request for Proposals to fund development of the Centers.

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul Announces Expanded Initiatives to Address Street Homelessness

January 21, 2022

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced expanded initiatives to address homelessness and help provide intensive outreach, engagement, and care coordination services on the streets and in the subway in New York City, and announced the launch of a Request for Proposals (RFP)for nonprofit organizations to operate specialized "Safe Options Support" teams consisting of direct outreach workers as well as clinicians to help more New Yorkers come off of streets and into shelters and/or housing.

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul Announces Direct Payments to Healthcare Workers as Part of $10 Billion Healthcare Plan

January 5, 2022

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a $10 billion multi-year investment in healthcare, the largest in State history, to rebuild and grow the healthcare workforce and strengthen the healthcare system as part of the 2022 State of the State.

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Hochul Announces Major Statewide Initiative to End the Homelessness Crisis and Address Longstanding Inequities in Housing

January 5, 2022

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a major statewide effort to fight the homelessness crisis and address longstanding inequities in the housing market as part of the 2022 State of the State. Governor Hochul will establish Safe Options Support (SOS) teams throughout New York City and in targeted regions throughout the state where street homelessness is most widespread, and use public funds to implement initiatives that expand housing access and protect tenants from eviction.

COMMISSIONER’S COLUMN

The Important Role Volunteers Play in OMH’s Mission to Help Vulnerable New Yorkers

January 5, 2022

Volunteers are extraordinary people who play a critical role in behavioral healthcare. This was never more evident than during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic when the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) reached out to mental health care professionals and asked that they volunteer to help New Yorkers who were feeling the stress and anxiety caused by the pandemic.