Q&A
Discussion on BeHeard program budget and management
7:23:52
·
108 sec
Council Member Brewer inquires about the BeHeard program's budget, management, and potential expansion. Director Jiha provides information on the program's budget and coordination among city agencies.
- BeHeard program budget is about $35.8 million per year
- Coordinated effort between FDNY, EMS, H&H, Health Department, NYPD, and Mayor's Office of Community Mental Health
- Potential for expansion, but plans are still being developed
Gale A. Brewer
7:23:52
My first question is on, following up on mental health from council member Lee.
7:23:58
On the BeHurd program, we asked the Department of Health, but they said they're not in charge of BeHurd, it's the mayor's office.
7:24:04
And then I should ask OMB.
7:24:06
So my question is, who is in charge of it?
7:24:10
What is the total budget for BHEARD?
7:24:12
And, you know, how is it broken down across agencies?
7:24:16
And what's their head count?
7:24:18
And the reason I ask is, I think it's a good program.
7:24:20
But mental health in general, as council member Lee said, is in disarray in my opinion.
7:24:27
So can you just answer the be heard question?
Jacques Jiha
7:24:30
Yeah.
7:24:30
Be heard, basically is a coordinated effort, between, the fire department, emergency medical services, H and H, to some extent, New York Health Department, Police Department, and the mayor's office of, community mental health.
7:24:49
The budget is about, like, $35,800,000, a year, working down, like, 25 for FDNOI and about, 11, for h and h.
Gale A. Brewer
7:25:02
Is there any plans to expand it?
Jacques Jiha
7:25:06
The plan is I think so.
7:25:08
But, again, as I said, you know, it's, they're working on it and, they it's a great program like you said.
7:25:15
The goal is, to, to want we want to be deliberate about the future of the program to make sure that, it works properly.
7:25:26
So I would have to have you talk with the FDNY and HNH that will give you a better sense of what they're doing in term of their future plan, for, the program.
