New York City is instructing officials to confront and involuntarily hospitalize people experiencing severe mental illness on the streets, Mayor Eric Adams said.
, Adams described city residents with severe and untreated mental illness who sleep on subway cars and park benches and said their living situations are"a crisis we see all around us."
"A common misunderstanding persists that we cannot provide involuntary assistance unless the person is violent, suicidal or presenting a risk of imminent harm," he said. As part of its initiative, the city is developing a phone line that would allow police officers to consult with clinicians. But Adams said state law allows officials to"intervene" when severe mental illness is preventing someone from meeting their"basic human needs."
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
New York City Mayor Announces New Effort to Tackle Homeless ‘Mental Health Crisis’New York City will begin hospitalizing homeless people who are severely mentally ill in an effort to move individuals off the streets to get the care they need
Read more »
Mayor Eric Adams says New York City will treat mentally ill, even if they refuseBidding to address a mental health crisis on New York City streets and subways, Mayor Adams announced Tuesday that authorities would more aggressively intervene to get people into treatment.
Read more »
New York City Mayor Adams to travel to Qatar for FIFA World CupThe U.S. men's soccer team won't be the only American in attendance at the World Cup. New York City's mayor is expected in Qatar later this week.
Read more »
Mayor Adams announces plan to address severe mental illness crisis in New York CityA directive has been issued immediately to city workers - including police, fire, EMS and health department employees - to transport anyone having a psychiatric issue and refusing voluntary assistance to the hospital.
Read more »
New York City will involuntarily hospitalize more mentally ill people under new plan“These New Yorkers and hundreds of others like them are in urgent need of treatment yet often refuse it when offered,” Mayor Eric Adams said. “The very nature of their illnesses keeps them from realizing they need intervention and support.
Read more »