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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Jihoon Kim, President and CEO of InUnity Alliance, on the Mayor's Preliminary Budget
6:14:46
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Jihoon Kim, President and CEO of InUnity Alliance, testified on the mayor's preliminary budget, emphasizing the critical need for investment in addiction and mental health services. He shared his personal experience with recovery and highlighted the challenges faced by providers due to lack of funding and potential federal cuts.
- 36 out of 60 surveyed organizations rely on federal grants, with an average outstanding amount of $20 million and $90,000 in unreimbursed interest due to loan needs.
- Kim requested the elimination of barriers to financial stability, timely distribution of opioid settlement funds, and a 3% increase to match the COLA initiative for mental health services.
- He stressed that investing in these services meets growing needs and helps address health inequities.
Jihoon Kim
6:14:46
Chair Lee, Chair Schulman, thank you for the opportunity to testify on the mayor's preliminary budget.
6:14:51
My name is Jihoon Kim and I'm the president and CEO of In Uni Alliance.
6:14:55
It's an honor to be here today representing 200 addiction and mental health providers.
6:14:59
Addiction and mental health conditions are not unlike other medical conditions.
6:15:03
There are early signs and without care, the symptoms get worse.
6:15:06
While hospitals can provide short short term stabilization, for most true recovery requires ongoing care.
6:15:12
Without it, the cycle continues.
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I know this from personal experience.
6:15:15
I was fortunate to receive care early, but not early enough to avoid multiple hospitalizations and long term long term rehabilitation.
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I am a person in long term recovery from a mental illness and a substance use disorder.
6:15:26
I share this because the substance use disorder and mental health care system, despite its many challenges, saved my life.
6:15:32
A severe lack of investment is undermining their ability to reach people like me.
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They are missing their second chance, routinely waiting months for their first appointment, only being prioritized when they are in crisis.
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Safeguarding access to these services is critical.
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Providers are confronted with mounting financial pressures, including the very real threats of federal funding reductions.
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In a recent survey of our members, 36 out of 60 organizations reported relying on federal federal grants to fund their services.
6:15:58
Now more than ever, we urgently need to eliminate barriers to financial stability, preserving their already limited access to care.
6:16:05
This includes addressing contract delays.
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In a survey of our members, the average current outstanding amount was $20,000,000 and an average unreimbursed interest due to the need to take out loans was $90,000.
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Impacts included hiring freezes or staff reductions, reduction in client services, not being able to pay landlords, and more.
6:16:22
The timely and transparent distribution of opioid settlement funds will also help.
6:16:26
You can also help ensure the council's mental health services initiatives stay in reach by restoring previous year's cuts and providing a 3% increase to match the COLA initiative.
6:16:35
By investing in these services, you are meeting the growing needs of New Yorkers and fostering opportunities that help tear down health inequities.
6:16:41
I appreciate the committee's time and consideration of these requests.
6:16:44
Thank you.