Read NYC Mayoral Candidate Nicole Malliotakis “Treatment B4 Crisis” Mental Illness Plan
On August 14, 2017, Republican Mayoral Candidate Nicole Malliotakis proposed her “Treatment B4 Crisis” plan (below) to improve mental health services in NYC. Unlike Mayor de Blasios’ “ThriveNYC” plan which includes 54 amorphous ideas, her plan focuses city mental health resources on delivering treatment to those who are the most seriously ill. Because of that laser-like focus, and reliance on cost-effective evidence-based practices, it will have a much greater impact on reducing homelessness, arrest, incarceration, needless hospitalization and suicide. Her plan will keep the public, police, and patients safer while saving taxpayers money.
Among the solutions she proposes is mandatory evaluation of prisoners with mental illness and involuntarily committed patients who are being released to see what services they need to stay safe in the community. These are the two highest risk groups. She also supports greater use of Kendra’s Law which has reduced homelessness, arrest and incarceration of the mentally ill in the 70% range. Her plan includes easier access to psychiatric hospitals, housing, and support for programs like Fountain House that serve the seriously mentally ill.
While we don’t endorse specific candidates, we wholeheartedly endorse this thoughtful plan to provide better care and improve our communities.