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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Deirdre De Leo, Director of Behavioral Health Programs at VNS Health
5:18:45
ยท
114 sec
Deirdre De Leo from VNS Health testified about their behavioral health programs and requested continued funding for two initiatives. She highlighted VNS Health's long history of supporting New Yorkers and their focus on early intervention and community-based care.
- Requested $200,000 to sustain and expand the geriatric mental health initiative in the Bronx
- Asked for $200,000 to strengthen the Promise Zone initiative, which places mental health professionals in Bronx public schools
- Emphasized that these programs prevent hospitalizations, reduce emergency interventions, and help New Yorkers stay connected
Deirdre De Leo
5:18:45
Hi, I'm Deirdre DeLeo.
5:18:48
Good afternoon Chair Lee and Chair Schulman, and thank you for allowing me to testify.
5:18:53
I'm a director of behavioral health programs at VNS Health.
5:18:58
And I just want to thank you for your leadership in advancing mental health access across the city.
5:19:02
Anna, can you hear me?
Gabriela Sandoval Requena
5:19:03
I think so.
Deirdre De Leo
5:19:04
For over one hundred and thirty years, VNS Health has supported New Yorkers where they live, in their homes and communities.
5:19:11
Every day we serve over 70,000 people and more than 31,000 people for behavioral health services.
5:19:18
We focus on early intervention and meeting people where they are.
5:19:22
Our programs include mobile crisis teams, assertive community treatment, intensive mobile treatment, and health home programs across the city.
5:19:31
Most recently, we launched a certified community behavioral health clinic in the South Bronx to provide integrated substance abuse and behavioral health for youth and adults.
5:19:40
Today, I wanted to speak specifically about two initiatives that are made possible through discretionary funding.
5:19:47
First, our geriatric mental health initiative brings mental health care directly to homebound adults in the Bronx.
5:19:54
With the continued support of $200,000 we can continue to sustain and expand this work, ensuring our city seniors get the support they need to age safely and with dignity.
5:20:05
Second, our Promise Zone initiative places mental health professionals inside nine Bronx public schools.
5:20:11
These clinicians provide trauma informed care to students facing emotional and behavioral challenges.
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With your help, we're asking for $200,000 to meet the growing demand, strengthen staffing, and ensure more students and families receive critical support.
5:20:26
These programs work.
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They prevent hospitalizations and they reduce emergency interventions and help New Yorkers stay connected.
5:20:33
Thank you for your support and standing by us to expand access to compassionate community based mental health care.