Mon Sep 23 23:20:29 UTC 2024: ## NYC Council Holds Hearing on B-Heard Mental Health Pilot Program

**New York, NY** – The New York City Council convened a hearing on Monday to discuss the city’s B-Heard program, a pilot initiative deploying mental health professionals instead of police to certain mental health 911 calls. The program, which operates in 31 of the city’s 77 precincts, has been credited with offering a more humane and effective response to mental health crises.

During the hearing, individuals directly impacted by the program shared their experiences, highlighting its positive impact. One speaker advocated for the program’s expansion to 24-hour coverage, citing the trust and empathy fostered by the involvement of mental health professionals. Another speaker expressed the escalation of their own mental health crisis when police were called, emphasizing the need for a less confrontational approach.

City officials also highlighted the program’s success, citing data that shows B-Heard teams responded to nearly 15,000 calls between July 2023 and June 2024. Despite the program’s positive results, officials acknowledged challenges with expanding its reach, citing administrative budget constraints and hiring difficulties.

The hearing also featured insights from other cities, including Denver’s STAR (Support Team Assisted Response) program. STAR has been praised for its success in responding to mental health calls without making a single arrest.

Experts at the hearing also recommended calling the mental health hotline 988 instead of 911 when police, fire, or EMS personnel are not needed. This would ensure that individuals in need are connected with mental health professionals rather than law enforcement.

The hearing served as a platform to examine the ongoing efforts to address mental health crises in the city, with the B-Heard program emerging as a promising alternative to traditional policing responses. The council is expected to continue exploring ways to expand the program and ensure its effectiveness in providing compassionate and effective support to those experiencing mental health difficulties.

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