Home » Mayor Adams unveils $650m mental health initiative

Mayor Adams unveils $650m mental health initiative

Mayor Eric Adams announced a sweeping $650 million investment in mental health at Bellevue Hospital on Wednesday, emphasizing the city’s commitment to addressing the crisis.

img_2475-1.jpg

Mayor Eric Adams announced a sweeping $650 million investment in mental health at Bellevue Hospital on Wednesday, emphasizing the city’s commitment to addressing the crisis. “There’s nothing dignified about allowing someone to sleep in the street, sleep in the subway system,” Adams declared.

The initiative includes “Bridge to Home,” a program providing 100 psychiatric beds for vulnerable New Yorkers. “The new facility will offer a safe space for healing and recovery,” Adams said, aiming to bridge the gap for individuals discharged from hospitals with no place to go.

Dr. Mitchell Katz, CEO of NYC Health and Hospitals, highlighted the importance of this initiative: “We will provide people with their own rooms and on-site services to support their recovery.”

The plan also introduces 900 new safe haven beds and 100 youth runaway beds. Outreach worker Andrew Walker emphasized the importance of safe havens in helping individuals rebuild their lives.

However, advocates like Dave Giffen of the Coalition for the Homeless expressed concerns about the program’s details, questioning whether the beds would be voluntary and the long-term housing solutions for residents after their 12-month stay.

City Comptroller Brad Lander criticized the plan as coming too late, prompting Adams to defend his approach. “As we tackle the immediate crisis, we must also build for the future,” Adams said, adding a jab at Lander: “You can’t say cult without Brad.”

Officials stated that the new safe haven beds will be available by summer, with the Bridge to Home facility expected to be fully operational by 2027.

About The Author

Copyright © 2025 All rights reserved.