Most of the Testimony Given to the OAG Explains the Challenges
at Mental Health Care in Western New York and throughout the State
NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James held a public hearing on medical care in Western New York. Many stakeholders, health care providers, elected officials, and community members testified about their challenges in accessing and providing health care and mental health services. Testimony touched on many issues, including limited funding for community health teams and hospitals, gaps in collaborative care, staff shortages, and stigma associated with mental health care. This was Attorney General James’ second hearing on health care in New York, after a meeting held in New York City in June 2022. Attorney General James is encouraging New Yorkers who have experienced difficulties or obstacles in accessing or providing medical care to provide documentation. testimony at his office until January 20. Through these meetings, Attorney General James wants to gather statements from towns, villages, and rural areas throughout the state to inform legal responses and actions.
“The past few months have been very traumatic for Western New York and many have been left without adequate resources and care to address their mental health needs,” he said. Attorney General James. “This hearing is critical to our efforts to improve mental health care for New Yorkers, lower barriers to mental health care, and help people recover. I am grateful to everyone who shared their experiences and pain points as part of this hearing. The testimony and information my office The collection will help us tackle the mental health crisis that is affecting our country and ensure that adequate and culturally appropriate care is available to all who need it.”
21 people gave oral evidence today, and around 100 people gave written evidence to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG). Written evidence will be accepted online until Friday, January 20, 2023, and all evidence will be made available to the public.
The event can be viewed here.
The first trial of Attorney General James took place in June 2022 in New York City, and focused on the problems affecting the lower region. Dozens of concerned families, health care providers, attorneys, and elected officials testified at a public hearing in New York City.
“Many times, things are said about mental illness and what needs to be done to improve the lives of those who suffer, but nothing is done. Instead of empty words, you need to take action to show that the state of New York really cares about the thousands of people who suffer every day from mental illness and its effects, not only on themselves, but also on their families, friends and society,” he said. Elisa and Joe Tobia, involved family members who testified in the case. “Although our 30-year-old son died due to schizoaffective disorder, what Attorney General James did gives us hope for the future. We cannot thank Attorney General James enough for taking the time to listen and being willing to take action to finally help those who need it most. “
“Good mental health services are critical to community health but access to these services is not always provided,” he said. Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “I thank Attorney General James for listening to this story to get feedback from people and organizations who deal with mental health issues every day, and to get important ideas that will help improve access across the state.”
“As I work as Chair of the Senate Mental Health Committee to improve public health in our community and across the state, I am encouraged that Attorney General Letitia James is passionate about improving care in Western New York,” he said. State Senator Samra Brouk. “The Attorney General has unique powers to use legal and enforcement strategies, and I look forward to working with him to address unmet needs in our communities.”
“There is a stigma surrounding mental health,” she said Erie County Legislature Chairman April NM Baskin. “The stigma is visible in our lives, when we are not comfortable discussing or admitting our problems, and the stigma is also visible in our society, where we close our eyes. But we can start to heal when we talk about what is difficult for us, and we can start to create public policies when we accept that this issue is real and a lot of it. I applaud Attorney General James for having the courage to say that we are fighting this issue and for giving people an opportunity to tell their stories. This work is difficult, but it is important.”
“Emotion is as important as physical health. As our communities face an increased need for mental health services, nurses and medical professionals will see to it that the state’s hospital systems all have psychiatric inpatient and detox services,” he said. Nancy Hagans, RN, BSN, CCRN, President, New York State Nurses Association. “This is not the time to reduce medical services. We thank Attorney General James for holding this meeting to discuss the challenges of access to care and look forward to real solutions so that our communities can heal mentally and physically. “
“Many New Yorkers are struggling to afford the critical, inpatient, social care and housing they need,” he said. Harvey Rosenthal, CEO, New York Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services. “Every day, we see for ourselves how it hurts when these jobs lack a lot of money and do not work or are not available at all. We are very grateful to German Lawyer James for bringing us together to discuss problems and find solutions to our problems to help our neighbors in need. ”
“Thank you to Attorney General Letitia James for calling this important meeting. Changing the system will require a concerted effort, it must include consumers and their partners in the solution, and it will be successful if mental health is addressed at every level,” he said. Melinda DuBois, Executive Director, Mental Health Advocates of Western New York. “Based on the challenges Western New Yorkers have faced, we need to do better. MHA is grateful to be part of the answer.”
“Many people in Western New York are struggling to get the mental health care they need when they are in crisis. DCSs have seen firsthand the cost to recovery when facilities are underfunded, understaffed, and understaffed to provide services in times of crisis,” he said. Laura J. Kelemen, LCSW-R (DCS, Niagara County), Chair, New York State Conference of Local Mental Hygiene Directors. “I want to thank Attorney General James for bringing us together to discuss these challenges and provide the government with real solutions that help the most vulnerable to succeed.”
“The vast majority of New Yorkers, and an untold number of people of color, have access to medical care of any kind because of a serious problem. And even then, our first contact with the system is limited to the police, emergency rooms, and hospital beds, he said Chaku Mathai, Member, New York State Behavioral Health Services Advisory Council. “We need to move away from the economic failure of the old policies and make a systemic change to community support activities such as running with friends and volunteering and participating in housing projects. I want to thank Attorney General James for bringing us together to discuss the issues and find real solutions to help those in need.
Attorney General James was joined by Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy, Assistant Attorney General Michael Reisman, and Assistant Attorney General and Deputy Assistant Attorney General Gina Bull throughout the hearing.
