New York City Council
Committee on Mental Health, Disabilities and Addiction
Nov 25, 2024
·
10:00 AM
2 hr 8 min
Summary
A hearing on four proposed bills related to youth mental health:
- Establishing a pilot program for mental health professionals in student wellness clubs
- Creating student wellness club toolkits
- Implementing a peer-to-peer mental health training program in schools
- Requiring community outreach on mental health counseling after violent incidents
Discussions focused on existing mental health programs in schools, implementation challenges, the need for culturally competent services, student privacy concerns, and the importance of peer-led initiatives.
Features testimony from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), Department of Education (DOE), and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Linda Lee opens the committee hearing on youth mental health
Council Member Linda Lee opens the Committee on Mental Health, Disabilities and Addictions hearing, welcoming attendees and noting the presence of other council members. - The hearing is taking place …
0:00:17
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24 sec
Overview of four pieces of legislation on youth mental health
Council Member Linda Lee provides an overview of four pieces of legislation related to youth mental health that will be discussed in the hearing. - Intro 986: Establishing a pilot …
0:00:42
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73 sec
Importance of addressing youth mental health in schools
Council Member Linda Lee emphasizes the importance of the proposed legislation in addressing the youth mental health crisis, particularly through peer-led support in schools. - Schools offer a unique opportunity …
0:01:56
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49 sec
Expectations for the hearing and acknowledgments
Council Member Linda Lee outlines expectations for the hearing, emphasizing the importance of feedback and suggestions for improvement. - The council looks forward to receiving feedback on the legislation - …
0:02:45
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91 sec
Council Member Rita Joseph's statement on Intro 986
Council Member Linda Lee reads a statement on behalf of Council Member Rita Joseph regarding Introduction 986, which proposes a pilot program for involving mental health professionals in student wellness …
0:04:16
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109 sec
Introduction and overview of school mental health initiatives
Dr. Erica Lynne Smith, Director of the School Mental Health Program, introduces herself and provides an overview of the testimony's purpose. She discusses the proposed legislation and introduces her colleagues …
0:07:01
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83 sec
School Mental Health (SMH) program and partnerships
Dr. Smith provides an in-depth explanation of the School Mental Health (SMH) program and its partnerships with NYC Public Schools and external providers. - SMH works with 548 schools and …
0:08:25
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64 sec
Article 31 Clinics and mental health services tiers
Dr. Smith explains the role of Article 31 Clinics in providing mental health services in schools and describes the three tiers of services offered. - Over 200 Article 31 Clinics …
0:09:29
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178 sec
Response to Intro 989 - Student wellness club toolkit
Dr. Smith addresses Introduction 989, which proposes the creation of a student wellness club toolkit for NYC public middle and high schools. - Health department is already tasked with creating …
0:12:34
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36 sec
Response to Intro 986 - Mental health professionals in student wellness clubs
Dr. Smith addresses Introduction 986, which proposes a pilot program to involve mental health professionals in student wellness clubs in middle and high schools. - Relying on a volunteer workforce …
0:13:03
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88 sec
Response to Intro 996 - Peer-to-peer mental health training program
Dr. Smith addresses Introduction 996, which proposes the development of a peer-to-peer mental health training program in schools. - Peer support programs should complement, not substitute, clinical services by trained …
0:14:16
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104 sec
Assistant Commissioner Jamie Neckles testifies on Introduction 1103 regarding mental health outreach after traumatic events
Jamie Neckles, Assistant Commissioner for the Bureau of Mental Health at the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, testifies on Introduction 1103, which proposes legislation for mental health outreach …
0:16:17
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3 min
Overview of current mental health staffing in NYC schools
Council Member Linda Lee inquires about the current state of mental health staffing in NYC schools, seeking clarification on the number of schools with social workers and mental health providers. …
0:19:34
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4 min
Discussion of Intro 986 - pilot project for mental health professionals in student wellness clubs
Council Member Linda Lee discusses the implementation challenges and possibilities for Intro 986, which proposes a pilot project involving mental health professionals in student wellness clubs. Dr. Erica Lynne Smith …
0:23:40
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3 min
Existing student-led wellness initiatives in schools
Council Member Linda Lee inquires about existing student-led wellness initiatives in schools. Amalia Orman, the Student Voice Manager at NYC Public Schools, provides insights on student-driven mental health initiatives and …
0:27:21
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161 sec
Current toolkits and materials for student-led mental health groups
Council Member Linda Lee inquires about existing toolkits and materials for student-led mental health groups. Dr. Erica Lynne Smith from DOHMH discusses pilot programs and evidence-based practices being considered for …
0:30:03
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80 sec
Intro 996 - peer-to-peer mental health training programs in schools
Council Member Linda Lee inquires about Intro 996, which proposes developing and offering peer-to-peer mental health training programs in schools. Dr. Erica Lynne Smith from DOHMH discusses the recently released …
0:31:24
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91 sec
Data collection and evaluation of mental health programs in schools
Council Member Linda Lee inquires about data collection and evaluation methods for mental health programs in schools. Dr. Erica Lynne Smith from DOHMH explains their approach to measuring program uptake …
0:32:56
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4 min
Intro 1103 - community outreach for mental health counseling after traumatic events
Council Member Linda Lee discusses Intro 1103, which focuses on community outreach for mental health counseling after traumatic events. She inquires about the process of identifying and reaching out to …
0:37:13
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105 sec
DOHMH approach to trauma response and mental health services
Jamie Neckles from DOHMH explains the department's approach to trauma response and mental health services. The focus is on providing universal access to support rather than relying on a report-based …
0:39:01
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79 sec
DOE crisis support protocol and collaboration with DOHMH
Dr. Beverly Logan from the NYC Department of Education explains their crisis support protocol and collaboration with DOHMH in response to traumatic events affecting students and families. - When an …
0:40:21
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48 sec
DOHMH violence intervention and mental health support programs
Jamie Neckles from DOHMH outlines two key programs addressing violence and mental health response in the city. - Hospital-based violence intervention program: Aims to reduce the risk of readmission for …
0:41:11
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44 sec
Collaboration between DOHMH, NYPD, and community organizations in crisis response
Council Member Linda Lee inquires about collaboration between DOHMH, NYPD, and community organizations in responding to traumatic events. Jamie Neckles from DOHMH explains their approach to community outreach and crisis …
0:41:56
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164 sec
Introduction of privacy concerns with Teenspace app
Council Member Rita Joseph raises concerns about privacy issues with the Teenspace app, which have been reported by parents and advocates. The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) acknowledges …
0:45:02
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85 sec
Inquiry about personal information tracking in Teenspace app
Council Member Rita Joseph inquires about the presence of ad trackers and cookies in the Teenspace app that might track New York City students' personal information. DOHMH responds that they …
0:46:31
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33 sec
Timeline of awareness and concerns regarding privacy issues with Teenspace app
Council Member Rita Joseph questions DOHMH about when they became aware of privacy issues with the Teenspace app and expresses concern about the delay in addressing these issues since a …
0:47:04
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47 sec
DOHMH's response to privacy concerns and council member's demand for concrete plans
DOHMH responds to privacy concerns about the Teenspace app, stating that their contract requires student information to be kept private. Council Member Rita Joseph presses for concrete plans and timelines …
0:47:51
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109 sec
Discussion of proposed legislation (Intro 986) for mental health professionals in student wellness clubs
Council Member Rita Joseph inquires about DOHMH's support for her proposed legislation (Intro 986) to develop a pilot program involving volunteer mental health professionals in student wellness clubs. DOHMH expresses …
0:49:55
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124 sec
Overview of existing DOHMH mental health initiatives in schools
Council Member Rita Joseph inquires about current DOHMH programs involving mental health professionals engaging with young people in school settings. DOHMH provides an overview of their existing initiatives. - DOHMH …
0:52:05
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70 sec
Training requirements for mental health professionals in wellness clubs
Council Member Rita Joseph inquires about the type of training or guidelines necessary for mental health professionals and candidates to effectively lead discussions and workshops in wellness clubs. DOHMH explains …
0:53:53
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66 sec
Clarification on grade ranges for mental health programs in schools
Council Member Kristy Marmorato seeks clarification on the grade ranges for mental health programs in schools. Dr. Erica Lynne Smith explains that the proposed bills are primarily for middle and …
0:55:15
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76 sec
Role of parents and guardians in school mental health initiatives
Council Member Kristy Marmorato inquires about the role of parents and guardians in implementing and supporting mental health initiatives within schools. Dr. Erica Lynne Smith emphasizes the vital importance of …
0:56:31
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43 sec
Safety and privacy concerns in peer-to-peer mental health sessions
Council Member Kristy Marmorato raises concerns about safety and privacy in peer-to-peer mental health sessions. Dr. Erica Lynne Smith clarifies the nature and purpose of peer-to-peer support in schools. - …
0:57:13
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129 sec
Addressing concerns about individual sessions and child protection
Council Member Kristy Marmorato expresses concerns about the safety and privacy of children during individual sessions with clinicians. The discussion covers recording practices, HIPAA compliance, and child protection measures. - …
0:59:23
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167 sec
Concluding remarks and future steps for mental health bill implementation
Council Member Linda Lee provides concluding remarks for the committee hearing, summarizing the discussion and outlining next steps for the proposed mental health bills. - Acknowledgment of the completion of …
1:02:12
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72 sec
Testimony by Amber Song, Senior Program Coordinator at Asian American Federation
Amber Song from the Asian American Federation testified on the mental health needs of the Asian American community in New York, particularly in response to violent incidents. She highlighted the …
1:07:19
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134 sec
Testimony by Bella SoYoung Park, Bilingual Counselor at Korean American Family Service Center (KAFSC)
Bella SoYoung Park, representing the Korean American Family Service Center (KAFSC), testifies in support of Introduction 1103, emphasizing the need for culturally competent mental health services for New York City's …
1:09:43
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142 sec
Testimony by Adeline Zhao, Mental Health Counselor at Garden of Hope
Adeline Zhao, representing Garden of Hope and the Asian American Mental Health Roundtable, testified on the mental health challenges faced by Chinese immigrants in response to traumatic incidents. She emphasized …
1:12:12
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139 sec
Q&A on coordination between organizations and DOHMH for traumatic incidents
Council Member Linda Lee engages in a Q&A session with community organization representatives about coordination efforts following traumatic incidents. The discussion focuses on how organizations, DOHMH, and schools work together …
1:14:32
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175 sec
Testimony by Adonte Dacosta, Student at Manhattan Early College School for Advertising
Adonte Dacosta, a senior at Manhattan Early College School for Advertising, testifies about the urgent need for mental health support in schools. He emphasizes the challenges faced by youth, including …
1:18:44
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148 sec
Testimony by Cree Atkins-Griffin, Student at Repertory Company High School for Performing Arts
Cree Atkins-Griffin, an 18-year-old senior at Repertory Company High School for Performing Arts, testified about the importance of wellness centers in schools and the need for better mental health support …
1:21:19
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132 sec
Testimony by Nasirah Fair, Youth Worker at The Brotherhood Sister Sol
Nasirah Fair, a youth worker at The Brotherhood Sister Sol, testified about the organization's work in social justice, education, and support for Black and Latinx youth. She emphasized the need …
1:23:33
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167 sec
Council member inquires about The Brotherhood Sister Sol organization
Council Member Linda Lee asks about The Brotherhood Sister Sol organization, learning that it's a community-based organization with chapters in multiple schools. The organization provides support and educational programs for …
1:26:21
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67 sec
Students share experiences with peer support and mental health challenges
Council Member Lee asks students about their experiences dealing with friends' mental health issues and suicidal thoughts. Students Adonte and Cree share their experiences with peer support and initiatives they've …
1:27:28
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141 sec
Discussion on wellness clubs and challenges in implementation
Council Member Lee inquires about the challenges faced in starting and maintaining wellness clubs in schools. Students and the youth worker share their experiences and obstacles encountered. - Challenges include …
1:29:50
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3 min
Testimony by Fiodhna O'Grady, Director of Government Relations at The Samaritans of New York
Fiodhna O'Grady from The Samaritans of New York testified in support of peer-to-peer mental health support initiatives, emphasizing the effectiveness of well-trained non-clinical responders in suicide prevention. She highlighted the …
1:34:47
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4 min
Testimony by Kumarie Cruz, Director of Education and Public Bereavement Services at The Samaritans of New York
Kumarie Cruz from The Samaritans of New York expressed strong support for peer-based mental health initiatives in schools. She emphasized that these programs can help address the growing demands on …
1:39:15
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172 sec
Discussion on tracking referrals and handoffs in mental health services
Council Member Linda Lee engages in a discussion about tracking referrals and handoffs in mental health services. The conversation is prompted by Fiodhna O'Grady's comment on the low follow-through rate …
1:42:26
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43 sec
Testimony by Braden Nguyen, Student at Bard High School Early College and Youth Advocate at Asian American Student Advocacy Project
Braden Nguyen shares his perspective on mental health in schools and the proposed legislation. He emphasizes the lack of mental health awareness and support in schools, particularly for AAPI students, …
1:43:38
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3 min
Testimony by Marcel Bass, Student at Union Square Academy For Health Sciences and Youth Advocate at Asian American Student Advocacy Project
Marcel Bass, an Asian American student, testifies about the impact of the model minority myth on AAPI students' mental health and the need for systemic changes in schools to support …
1:47:10
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3 min
Testimony by Sharon Brown Jeter, Member of the Public
Sharon Brown Jeter provides a testimony that diverges from the main topic of youth mental health, instead focusing on religious views and criticisms of the current mental health system. She …
1:50:50
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128 sec
Council Member Lee inquires about comments on proposed bills
Council Member Linda Lee engages with a public speaker, Sharon Brown Jeter, to inquire if she has any comments or questions specifically related to the bills being discussed in the …
1:52:58
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27 sec
Testimony by Zayin Tilly, Youth Council Co-Coordinator for Advocacy at #DegreesNYC
Zayin Tilly from #DegreesNYC addressed the mental health crisis affecting students in New York City and highlighted how the proposed legislation can support students effectively. He expressed support for several …
1:53:30
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3 min
Call for diverse mental health professionals and encouraging youth careers
Council Member Linda Lee emphasizes the need for more mental health professionals with diverse language capabilities. She encourages youth to consider careers in social work to address this need. - …
1:56:57
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16 sec
Importance of diverse curriculum in schools
Council Member Lee discusses the significance of school curriculum in educating students about different cultures and building tolerance. - References a previous panel discussion with AAPI youth and other communities …
1:57:14
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32 sec
Testimony by Elizabeth Zemlyansky, Student at Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
Elizabeth Zemlyansky, a junior at the Wharton School, shared her personal experience of founding a mental health awareness club in high school following a classmate's tragic death and the onset …
1:58:34
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176 sec
Testimony by William Juhn, Senior Staff Attorney at Lawyers for the Public Interest
William Juhn, representing Lawyers for the Public Interest, testifies in support of Intro 1103, which requires NYPD to notify DOHMH of violent or traumatic incidents and connect affected community members …
2:01:39
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119 sec
Testimony by Leonie Haimson, Co-chair of Parent Coalition For Student Privacy
Leonie Haimson testifies about privacy concerns with Talkspace, a mental health service contracted by the NYC Department of Health. She highlights issues with data sharing practices and potential violations of …
2:03:46
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3 min
