AGENCY TESTIMONY
Understanding mental health crises: Definition and context
0:54:26
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112 sec
Jamie Neckles provides context and definition for mental health crises, emphasizing their complexity and the diverse circumstances under which they can occur. She stresses that anyone can experience a mental health crisis, regardless of their background or living situation.
- Mental health crises can manifest differently for each individual
- Crises may be triggered by internal experiences, interpersonal conflicts, or environmental stressors
- A diagnosable mental illness or specific experience is not required to have a mental health crisis
Jamie Neckles
0:54:26
However, when they do occur, we seek to ensure all New Yorkers have access to responsive care that includes health and social supports that are affordable, accessible, effective, and free of stigma.
0:54:40
Providing support and moments of mental health crisis is a tremendous duty that we share with our city partners.
0:54:46
My colleagues at the mayor's office of Community Mental Health, OCMH spoke to one critical piece of this ecosystem, the BEHEARD program.
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This is a health centered response to 911 mental health emergencies and administered by the New York City Fire Department And New York City Health And Hospitals.
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With oversight from OCMH.
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I will speak to the mental health crisis response and treatment infrastructure that the health department administers.
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This is to give context for the broader system in which FDNY and HNH's B Herd program operates and promotes awareness of valuable services and supports available to New Yorkers from the health department.
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First, I want to provide some context for the health department's work in this space.
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What constitutes a mental health crisis can look very different from person to person?
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You do not need a diagnosable mental illness, a serious mental illness, or to be experiencing homelessness.
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A crisis may be triggered by myriad of different internal emotional or cognitive experiences.
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Interpersonal conflicts, including abuse or violence or environmental stressors, such as neighborhood safety.
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It is essential to recognize the complexity and nuances of these experiences in this discussion today.
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To say it plainly, anyone can experience a mental health crisis.
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A diagnosis or specific experience is not required.
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We're here today to discuss the mental health care system that aims to support all New Yorkers.
