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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Catherine Thurston, CEO of Service Program for Older People (SPOP)
4:49:57
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124 sec
Catherine Thurston, CEO of Service Program for Older People (SPOP), testified about the importance of community-based mental health services for older adults in New York City. She highlighted SPOP's unique role in providing age-affirming mental health care and its positive outcomes for clients.
- SPOP serves 1,000 adults annually through telehealth and in-person services across multiple boroughs.
- Over 90% of clients report reduced likelihood of emergency services use for mental health challenges.
- Thurston expressed concern about proposed Medicaid funding cuts and the potential dissolution of the Administration for Community Living, urging robust funding for older adult services.
Catherine Thurston
4:49:57
I'm Katherine Thurston, the CEO of Service Program for Older People, or SPOP.
4:50:02
Thank you, chairs Brannen and Hudson, for this opportunity to address the New York City Council Finance Committee and Committee on Aging.
4:50:09
SPA plays a unique role in supporting the health, emotional well-being and independence of older New Yorkers.
4:50:15
We are the only agency in New York City that is exclusively dedicated to community based mental health for older adults.
4:50:21
And we provide outpatient treatment to 1,000 adults each year.
4:50:24
We've been doing this work for over forty five years and we offer services via telehealth at our offices on the Upper West Side Of Manhattan and at satellite locations in Brooklyn, The Bronx and Manhattan.
4:50:36
The benefits and outcomes from age affirming mental health care are significant.
4:50:40
The overwhelming majority of our clients experience reduced mental health symptoms, increased social connectedness and improved well-being.
4:50:48
Over ninety percent report they now are less likely to call 911 or visit an emergency department in the event of a mental health challenge.
4:50:55
Our clients all grow older, but they do so in a healthier way.
4:50:59
We understand that seeking mental health care can be a challenge, and we've developed strategies to partner with hospitals, aging service providers, and NYC aging funded older adult centers to address stigma and connect with those who are most vulnerable and isolated.
4:51:14
All of our clinicians are experienced in providing age affirming mental health care, and we offer individual and group therapy along with other services and linkages to community based services to support aging in place.
4:51:26
Looking ahead, we are deeply concerned about the proposed Medicaid funding cuts and the dissolution of the Administration for Community Living which regulates and disseminates all federal funding related to the Older Americans Act which would cause massive harm to older New Yorkers, particularly those who are most marginalized.
4:51:44
I therefore urge the Committee on Finance to advocate for robust funding for programs and services that support the well-being of older adults, including community based age affirming mental health care.
4:51:56
Thank you for your work on behalf of all older New Yorkers and for this opportunity to testify today.