Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Eric Blazsek, Program Manager of Mental Health Services at Center for Independence of the Disabled in New York (CIDNY)
5:28:15
ยท
137 sec
Eric Blazsek from the Center for Independence of the Disabled in New York (CIDNY) advocates for a peer-driven mental health crisis response system in accordance with Daniel's Law. He highlights CIDNY's expertise in addressing mental health and physical disabilities, and their ability to deliver effective services under this initiative.
- CIDNY employs staff with lived experience of disability and uses client satisfaction and case outcomes to guide service delivery.
- The organization offers culturally competent care and provides a New York State approved Multicultural Competence Continuing Education Program for licensed social workers and mental health counselors.
- CIDNY's strengths include expertise in managing collaborations, providing accessible mental health support, and case management for various needs, positioning them well to deliver Daniel's Law programming.
Eric Blazsek
5:28:15
Good afternoon members of the New York City Council.
5:28:19
My name is Eric Blasek, manager of mental health services at Center for Independence of the Disabled in New York.
5:28:26
Many of us are here today to advocate for a peer driven mental health crisis response system in accord with Daniel's Law.
5:28:34
I'm here today to advocate for Sydney regarding Daniel's Law programming.
5:28:41
Our experience in addressing mental health and physical disabilities along with our ability to man manage complex collaborations enables us at Sydney to deliver effective services under this initiative.
5:28:54
Sydney employs a high percentage of staff with lived experience of disability and uses metrics like client satisfaction and case outcomes to guide service delivery.
5:29:05
Our commitment to evidence based culturally competent care ensures we engage people with disabilities respectfully.
5:29:12
Additionally, Sydney systematically increases cultural competence within the mental health system through our New York State approved Multicultural Competence Continuing Education Program for licensed social workers and mental health counselors addressing the lack of necessary training in culturally responsive mental health care.
5:29:34
Central to Daniel's law is creating a communities based crisis response system, including mobile crisis teams, crisis call centers, and stabilization centers.
5:29:44
Sydney's strengths include our expertise, infrastructure, and experience in managing effective memorandum excuse me, memoranda of understanding and subcontracting relationships.
5:29:57
Our group counseling and wellness call programs provide accessible mental health support to the New York City community, and we provide case management for benefits, housing, vocational support, and mental health referrals, enhancing our ability to provide sustainable aftercare.
5:30:14
In conclusion, Sydney's history of service, established infrastructure, understanding of the complex needs within the disability community, and proving ability to manage collaborations positions us ideally to deliver Daniel's Law programming.
5:30:29
Thank you.
5:30:29
4.5 for peers additionally.