Gov. Kathy Hochul has committed $1 billion to revamping mental health care as part of the recently announced 2024 executive budget. 

The governor spoke at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine to highlight how she believes this money will help improve access to services for all.  

New York will invest $20 million of that $1 billion to expanding mental health services in schools, and the funds will focus on the estimated 3,200 New Yorkers struggling with mental illness or addiction living on our streets and subways.  

“This is the first time somebody recognized the big impact that is happening in our community, especially after COVID,” said Dr. Ramon Tallaj, chairman of the board for SOMOS Community Care.  

SOMOS says the funds will help their team reach the most vulnerable New Yorkers and provide mental health services.  

Hochul says the budget will add 1,000 inpatient beds and 3,500 residential units in the Bronx to prevent those in need from falling through the cracks.  

“We have to connect them with resources,” said Hochul. “Whatever they’re going to need, we’re going to have to give it to them or else they cycle right back to where they started.” 

Outreach organizations like BronxWorks say adding more psychiatric beds and more residential housing units will help them directly give more options to the community members they serve.  

The governor also says she’s proposing legislation to prohibit insurance companies from denying access to mental health services.