If you or someone you know is thinking of harming themselves, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free support at 1-800-273-8255. U.S. residents can also be connected to the Lifeline bycalling or texting 988 or chatting at988lifeline.org. For more about risk factors and warning signs, visit the organization’sofficial website
NEW YORK (WWTI) – Governor Kathy Hochul announced new data highlighting the impact of her $1 billion mental health initiative to strengthen New York State’s mental health care system
The Office of Mental Health compiled metrics on 23 areas of care and created plain-language infographics to demonstrate the progress made through the initiative and subsequent investments. Infographics present key metrics in an understandable format, supporting outreach and community engagement
Advertisement
Hochul emphasized the importance of these results in enhancing transparency and making New York a leader in mental health care, ensuring access to necessary support for all residents to thrive in their communities
The data provided evaluates the impact of mental health programs across four categories:
Prevention and youth services;
Crisis services; and
Specialized services
The access to care category highlights expanded mental health services, including Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics and supportive housing
Prevention and youth services focus on initiatives addressing mental health issues early, such as HealthySteps and suicide prevention
Advertisement
The specialized services category targets individuals disconnected from traditional supports, including programs such as Critical Time Intervention and Assertive Community Treatment
Crisis services ensure immediate help
Governor Hochul’s $1 billion initiative, initiated in 2023, has led to significant improvements in New York’s mental health care system, increasing both inpatient and outpatient services and creating new specialized housing units
These initiatives have gained national recognition, with Mental Health America ranking New York first for mental health indicators and awarding Governor Hochul the 2026 Governor’s Leadership Award for her substantial investments strengthening the mental health system
Advertisement
NY farm disaster relief approved by USDA after FEMA denies blizzard aid
Chicken Salad Chick plans Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse expansion
West Genesee Superintendent David Bills announces retirement
Amid complaints from a resident, Camillus clarifies liability for snowplow-damaged mailboxes
Woman found dead inside Syracuse home, police investigating as a homicide
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWTI – InformNNY.com.
