Cohen supports McCray

The city’s First Lady Chirlane McCray announced her plan last week to better address the mental health needs of New York City residents. Her “mental health roadmap” would pay particular attention to assisting individuals in low-income or at-risk communities.

“Mental illness touches the lives of most New Yorkers,” Ms. McCray said in a statement. She called for a more united approach among healthcare providers in treating mental illnesses. 

Ms. McCray said she spent the last several months gathering input from the city’s most involved mental health advocates and constituents. Northwest Bronx Councilman Andrew Cohen, who chairs the City Council’s mental health committee, said he was among the officials Ms. McCray collaborated with in order to build her new strategy.

“It took a little time to gel, but I think it became clear to her early on in the administration,” Mr. Cohen said of the program’s inception. “It’s a really comprehensive, thoughtful process to develop a significant, meaningful plan and make sure it’ll be successful.”

Mr. Cohen believes the changes proposed by Ms. McCray are the most practical solutions. By providing resources to those who need it most, Mr. Cohen believes the roadmap could prevent those at risk from finding themselves worse off.

“As I became chair of the mental health committee, I didn’t realize how much low hanging fruit there is,” he said. “A little bit of mental health services to someone in need could prevent contact with the criminal justice system and homelessness and substance abuse.”

Ms. McCray’s plan would offer special services to schools, senior centers, prisons and homeless shelters. Her efforts are also aimed at ensuring that mental health needs are considered in future government policy. Establishing enhanced communication between healthcare providers and mental health advocacy groups will also be key.

“We can — and will — improve access to mental health care in New York City and bring mental health care services where New Yorkers live, work and study,” her statement read.