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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Lyle Braxton, Peer Counselor, on Mental Health Services and Hospital Closures
5:53:20
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121 sec
Lyle Braxton, a peer counselor and NAMI member, passionately addressed the council about the critical issue of hospital closures and the importance of mental health services in New York City. He emphasized the urgent need to keep hospitals open and improve mental health crisis response.
- Braxton highlighted his involvement with various organizations, including NAMI and a theater group working with police officers.
- He expressed concern about the Trump administration's approach to mental health issues and immigration.
- The speaker stressed the importance of keeping hospitals open for the benefit of all New Yorkers, including first responders and city workers.
Lyle Braxton
5:53:20
Okay.
5:53:21
It's on.
5:53:22
Good morning council member Shulman.
5:53:26
It's a great honor to meet you and my fellow council people.
5:53:30
I didn't bring no notes.
5:53:32
I wasn't prepared for this or anything, but my main concern is the closure of our hospitals.
5:53:39
That's the number one priority.
5:53:43
I am also a peer specialist.
5:53:46
I'm also a proud member of NAMI.
5:53:49
I belong to an organization called the I and D Theatre to serve, protect and understand working with fellow police officers sharing stories.
5:54:01
I'm here to speak on behalf of New Yorkers, on behalf of everyone that is going through a mental health crisis.
5:54:11
That this is a very serious issue to be addressed.
5:54:18
I don't think the Trump administration gets it.
5:54:22
I think he needs medication, and it's sad that when you ignore people that has a right to live any life that they want, speak any language they want, or come to a country to make a new life for themselves.
5:54:43
That's why they have the Statue Of Liberty.
5:54:46
It says, come to me, be free.
5:54:51
If I had it correct, I mean.
5:54:54
But what I'm saying is we gotta do something and we gotta do it now.
5:54:59
And our best policy to move forward is keep our hospitals open for the sake of New York, for the sake of everybody, for the sake of our responders, the police officers, the NYPDs, city workers, everybody.
5:55:18
This really matters.
5:55:20
Thank you.