Senator Brouk hosts Joint Legislative Public Hearing on the Mental Hygiene Executive Budget

Albany, NY - Senator Samra Brouk hosted the Joint Legislative Public Hearing on the Mental Hygiene Executive Budget for the first time as Chair of the Mental Health Committee. This hearing was an important opportunity to hear from individuals and organizations in the 55th District and across the state about the need for funding for programs and services to support the mental health of our communities.

“Not only are we living in the COVID pandemic. But we’re seeing a mental health pandemic: New Yorkers are struggling with feelings of isolation, fear, and anxiety. We are seeing record increases in depression, suicide attempts and overdoses,” stated Senator Brouk during opening remarks for the hearing.

“We are facing a reckoning around racial injustice. And in particular relevance to our work here today, we are facing an inflection point around how our law enforcement systems respond to people in moments of a mental health crisis.”

During the hearing, Senator Brouk offered a heartfelt thank you to all the mental health providers in New York who have been providing essential services throughout this pandemic. Senator Brouk also asked important questions about reduction in funding for mental health services, relocation of programming and providers, involuntary commitment, and telehealth, among other topics.