Did you see my Op-Ed?

RONALD REAGAN ELIMINATED MENTAL HEALTH FACILITIES THAT LEFT 
MANY WANDERING THE STREETS IN NEED OF CARE.

You've seen people talking to themselves, threatening others, urinationg in 
public....  

FACILITIES WERE EMPTIED & ALLOWED TO SIT VACANT & CRUMBLING. 

SOME PEOPLE WILL ALWAYS REQUIRE CARE THAT IS BEING DENIED.
Appropriately cared for and treated, many can lead healthy lives.

 
WE NEED TO RE-THINK OUR POLICIES. 

Now is the time for action to address our mental health emergency.   I wrote an op-ed in the New York Times highlighting key mental health investments that I believe New York must make to keep us all safer and healthier. These proposals are currently in the state budget that Governor Kathy Hochul and the State Legislature are finalizing right now.  These policies will help us begin to build a mental health care system that New York has lacked for decades. I hope you take a few minutes to read: Read the full New York Times Op-Ed Here ->> The failures of our mental health system are on stark display in New York City.   Desperate scenes of people in clear distress on subway platforms, in city parks and on bustling street corners, are commonplace. And although overall crime is down, the city has witnessed terrifying acts of violence and alarming incidents of disorder. Innocent people shoved in front of oncoming trains is a citywide nightmare. Women fear being randomly punched while walking down the street. This is a public health and safety crisis.   We must do better — for those with real and complex mental health needs, and for all New Yorkers who currently fear for their safety. But attaining a comprehensive mental health system won’t happen overnight. I’ve committed $9 million to two programs, Neighborhood Navigators and Court Navigators. In both programs, individuals with lived experience — designated “navigators”— help guide our struggling neighbors through the complex landscape of social services. It’s a start, but so much more is needed. This year’s state budget is another opportunity to continue to build New York’s mental health infrastructure. My office submitted a detailed proposal to Albany leaders outlining mental health investments that are urgently needed this year. If we fail to take systemic action, New Yorkers will continue to confront daily scenes of desperation, and risk falling victim to shocking — but not surprising — acts of arbitrary violence.   Please share the Op-Ed with three of your friends and anyone you know dedicated to making our city safer.   Onward, Alvin Bragg

Alvin Bragg for DA Box 1584 New York, NY 10026 United States