Albany, New York – Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced a $85 million allocation to establish five “step-down” programs aimed at jointly supporting mental illness and intellectual or developmental disorders as they return safely to the community after inpatient care.
The initiative, managed by the state Department of Mental Health, will develop a program that will provide conditional funding over five years and integrate critical time intervention teams with transitional housing.
Governor Hochur said,
Too often, New Yorkers with mental illness and co-occurrence disorders lack the support they need to successfully transition into an independent life. This funding will help couple with teams who can develop appropriate housing for these individuals and provide the support they can rely on to stay in an independent environment within their communities.
The program will be implemented in a variety of regions, including New York City, Long Island, West New York, Central New York and Hudson River Valley. New York City and Long Island providers receive $652,216 annually in operating funds and state aid over five years. Meanwhile, other regional providers receive $604,042 annually with operating funds and state aid over the same period.
Kim Hill Ridley, the state’s top disabled person in New York, praised and stated the initiative.
I praise the governor for this initiative. This initiative will go a long way in ensuring that people with disabilities are delivered in the most integrated setting suitable for their needs.
The funds are part of the governor’s $1 billion mental health plan, which was enacted last year to strengthen the state’s care system.
The plan aims to increase access to services, reduce wait times and ensure appropriate levels of care across the state.
This includes $890 million in capital and $120 million in operating funds to establish and operate 3,500 new housing units for New Yorkers with mental illness.
Dr. Anne Sullivan, Director of Mental Health, stressed the importance of the program, saying,
The transition from inpatient care to community life can be challenging for individuals with co-occurring mental illnesses and intellectual or developmental disorders. These expanded step-down programs will help New Yorkers ensure the skills they need to make a successful transition, connect with local services and live a successful life in their community.
This initiative is expected to provide important support to individuals transitioning from hospital-based care to community life, ensuring they receive the services and stability they need for long-term success.
