Health Department Forms Folder 0065, 1999-2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

❑ Housing for the Mentally III

The 1990 New York/New York Agreement between the City and New York State committed the City to create 1,426 units of supportive housing for mentally ill homeless individuals. That goal was met by 1997. Additional housing was created between 1994 and 1999 through funds allocated by the Mayor as well as over 800 supported units funded with portions of the City's Reinvestment allocation. Based on the success of NY/NY I, the City and State have negotiated a second agreement, NY/NY II, that will create over 1,500 new housing units for mentally ill individuals in New York City.

❑ Immigrant Services

During Fiscal Year 1995, the Department established prevention, outreach and education programs to serve immigrant families from the Caribbean, the former Soviet Union, Asia, South America and other parts of the world. The programs are designed to assist families unfamiliar with mental hygiene services to access mental health, mental retardation and alcoholism programs. The programs' goals include reducing the stigma frequently attached to mental hygiene services. Staff bring services to clients, working in community locations such as schools and community centers. Clients found to need additional services are then referred and linked to culturally sensitive community-based providers.

❑ Outpatient Civil Commitment Pilot/Assisted Outpatient Treatment

The Outpatient Civil Commitment Pilot was initiated in July 1995 at Bellevue Hospital Center. The program provides services and treatment to seriously and persistently mentally ill adults who do not voluntarily participate in needed mental health services. The State legislature passed Kendra's Law/Assisted Outpatient Treatment during 1999, creating a state-wide program based on the Bellevue pilot. The Assisted Outpatient Treatment law goes into effect in November 1999 and provides a mechanism for the assessment of treatment-resistant mentally ill individuals, a petition and hearing process, and a mechanism to arrange and monitor case management services.

❑ Anti-Stigma Campaign/Treatment is Working

To address misconceptions in the community about mental illness and to further enhance the opportunities for work and independence for persons with mental illness, the Department has sponsored a public education campaign designed to replace the stigma surrounding psychiatric disorders with facts, understanding and acceptance. The primary focus of the campaign is on increasing employment opportunities and workplace acceptance for individuals with mental illness. A chief strategy of the campaign is the distribution of posters in subways,

NYC-WTC 000137990