Legislative Action Community

Support a Cost of Living Adjustment of 8.5%

1. Assure a workforce sufficient to meet growing demand for mental health services
2. Vacancy rates and turnover have led to negatively impacting patient care
3. 800,000 human services workers and 3 million New Yorkers served
4. 80% of the workforce are women; 50% are people of color
5. 60% of the workforce qualifies for public assistance

Support Mental Health Literacy and Whole Health Parity Legislation

1. There is a growing mental health crisis on college campuses
2. College student depression has increased by 135% over 8 years; Anxiety increased 110%
3. College faculty and staff mental health has also grown worse
4. Increased mental health literacy fosters treatment seeking behavior and reduces stigma
5. Whole health parity prioritizes mental health to equal physical health

Support the Mental Health Literacy of Students and School Personnel

1. The COVID pandemic has negatively impacted student mental health
2. The onset of mental illnesses begins at age 14; age 7 for anxiety disorders
3. The School Mental Health Resource and Training Center supports mental health literacy
4. Increased mental health literacy of teachers and school staff encourages timely treatment
5. Excused absences for mental health contributes to a culture and climate of wellness

Support Increased Funding for Supportive Housing

• Sufficient housing capacity supports community based recovery
• The risk for experiencing homelessness increases without supportive housing
• 40,000 New Yorkers rely on supportive housing in order to live independently in the community
• Current funding levels have not kept pace with inflation. Providers are at risk of closing
• Sufficient housing capacity avoids more costly settings

Support Funding for the Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer to Peer Program

1. More than 6% of the U.S. population have served or are serving in the military
2. Veterans are at increased risk of PTSD and depression
3. 44 veterans die on average per day from suicide
4. This program has been successful at engaging veterans and is now available in every county
5. Peer based mental health services increases the likelihood that veterans access care